Dispatch method, dispatch device, and computer program

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle dispatching method, vehicle dispatching device, and computer program that can effectively utilize the vehicle dispatching process. [Solution] The dispatch method is a method for dispatching vehicles to transport passengers, which identifies a first area where vehicle replenishment is necessary, outputs an instruction to move vehicles located outside the first area into the first area, and when transportation request information requesting the transport of goods is obtained, determines the movement route of the vehicles from outside the first area to inside the first area based on the obtained transportation request information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle allocation method, a vehicle allocation device, and a computer program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, services for reserving taxis using smartphones have been provided, offering great convenience to users. In order to promptly respond to users' requests, it is important for taxi operators to predict users' demand.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a system for allocating a plurality of taxis existing within an operating area based on demand prediction information of taxi users.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When allocating taxis based on demand prediction, for example, if the taxi is in an empty state, it will result in a deadhead run, and waste of fuel and energy is assumed. Therefore, it is desirable to effectively utilize the vehicle allocation process.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle allocation method, a vehicle allocation device, and a computer program that can effectively utilize the vehicle allocation process.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A vehicle dispatch method according to one aspect of the present invention is a vehicle dispatch method for transporting passengers, comprising: identifying a first area where vehicle replenishment is necessary; outputting an instruction to move a vehicle located outside the first area into the first area; and, upon obtaining transport request information requesting the transport of goods, determining the vehicle's movement route from outside the first area to inside the first area based on the obtained transport request information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the dispatch method described above, the dispatch process can be effectively utilized. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing an example of a dispatch system configuration. [Figure 2] This diagram schematically shows the service area of ​​a taxi operator. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a method for identifying the first and second regions. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of determining a travel route based on transportation request information. [Figure 5] This diagram shows an example of determining a travel route based on a customer's vehicle dispatch request. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a movement path from the second region to the first region. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a method for determining travel routes based on the number of vehicles in operation. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the processing procedure for a vehicle dispatch system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] (1) The vehicle dispatch method is a vehicle dispatch method for transporting passengers, which involves identifying a first area where vehicle replenishment is necessary, outputting an instruction to move a vehicle located outside the first area into the first area, and, when transportation request information requesting the transport of goods is obtained, determining the vehicle's movement route from outside the first area to inside the first area based on the obtained transportation request information.

[0011] The first area can be identified as the area where the vehicle needs to be replenished among a plurality of areas. The plurality of areas are, for example, areas within the business area of an operator (such as a taxi operator) that distributes vehicles, and may be divided by divisions such as municipalities. Note that a plurality of cities or towns may be regarded as one area. Also, each of the plurality of areas may be an area including one or more stations such as a railway station.

[0012] The first area where the vehicle needs to be replenished can be, for example, an area where the number of vehicles supplied is less than the demand prediction of the vehicle.

[0013] Outside the first area is an area different from the first area and can be an area where vehicle replenishment is not required.

[0014] The transportation request information includes the pick-up location of the goods and the delivery location of the goods. The moving route from outside the first area to inside the first area can be determined, for example, as a route connecting the position of the vehicle outside the first area, the pick-up location of the goods, and the delivery location of the goods. The goods include, for example, but are not limited to, goods handled by a carrier, goods handled by a food delivery operator, etc.

[0015] Thereby, when dispatching a vehicle from outside the first area to inside the first area, the vehicle can deliver the goods based on the transportation request information, so the vehicle dispatching process can be effectively utilized.

[0016] (2) In the vehicle dispatching method described in (1) above, historical information on the number of vehicle demands in each of the plurality of areas may be obtained, the number of vehicles existing in each of the plurality of areas may be obtained, and the first area may be identified based on the obtained historical information and the number of vehicles.

[0017] The historical information on the number of demands is historical information on the past number of demands. For example, it can be information indicating how the number of demand vehicles changes according to the time zone of one day, and may be used as demand prediction information.

[0018] The first area can be an area where the difference between the required number of vehicles and the existing number of vehicles is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value, that is, an area where the required number of vehicles exceeds the existing number of vehicles. Thereby, the area where vehicle replenishment is required can be specified.

[0019] (3) In the vehicle allocation method according to (2) above, the history information for each predetermined time period may be acquired, and the first area may be specified for each predetermined time period based on the acquired history information and the number of vehicles. When the required number of vehicles and the existing number of vehicles are known for each time period, the first area can be specified for each time period. Thereby, the area where vehicle replenishment is required can be specified for each time period.

[0020] (4) In the vehicle allocation method according to (2) or (3) above, a second area outside the first area where there are vehicles to be moved into the first area based on the acquired history information and the number of vehicles may be specified.

[0021] The second area can be an area where the difference between the existing number of vehicles and the required number of vehicles is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value, that is, an area where the existing number of vehicles exceeds the required number of vehicles (an area where vehicles are in surplus). Thereby, the area where vehicles are in surplus can be specified.

[0022] (5) In the vehicle allocation method according to (4) above, the history information for each predetermined time period may be acquired, and the second area may be specified for each predetermined time period based on the acquired history information and the number of vehicles. When the required number of vehicles and the existing number of vehicles are known for each time period, the second area can be specified for each time period. Thereby, the area where vehicles are in surplus can be specified for each time period.

[0023] (6) In the vehicle allocation method according to any one of (1) to (5) above, the pickup location and the delivery location of the goods may be specified based on the transportation request information, and the movement route of the vehicle from outside the first area to inside the first area passing through the specified pickup location and delivery location may be determined.

[0024] The travel route from outside the first area to inside the first area can be determined, for example, as a route connecting the vehicle's location outside the first area, the cargo pickup location, and the cargo delivery location. This allows the vehicle to deliver the cargo based on the transport request information, thus making efficient use of the vehicle dispatching process.

[0025] (7) In the dispatch method described in any one of (1) to (6) above, if a dispatch request including a pick-up location and a drop-off location is obtained from a customer, the vehicle's route from outside the first area to inside the first area may be determined based on the obtained dispatch request so as to pass through the pick-up location and the drop-off location.

[0026] The travel route from outside the first area to inside the first area can be determined, for example, as a route connecting the vehicle's location outside the first area, the boarding location, and the alighting location. This allows customers to board during the dispatch process, thus making effective use of the dispatching process.

[0027] (8) In the dispatch method described in any one of (1) to (7) above, historical information on the number of vehicles traveling for each travel route from outside the first area to inside the first area may be obtained, and if the transport request information cannot be obtained, the travel route of the vehicle from outside the first area to inside the first area may be determined based on the historical information on the number of vehicles traveling.

[0028] The historical information on the number of vehicles traveling is historical data on past vehicle traffic. For example, it can show how the number of vehicles traveling changes depending on the time of day, and can be used as vehicle traffic forecasting information. The number of vehicles traveling can be, for example, the number of vehicles that traveled with passengers on board. This makes it possible to determine which routes are most likely to allow vehicles to travel with passengers on board at each time of day.

[0029] This allows the system to determine a route that is highly likely to allow passengers to travel on board if transportation request information cannot be obtained.

[0030] (9) The dispatching device is a dispatching device for dispatching vehicles to transport passengers, and includes a control unit, which identifies a first area where vehicle replenishment is necessary, outputs an instruction to move vehicles located outside the first area into the first area, and when it obtains transport request information requesting the transport of goods, determines the movement route of the vehicle from outside the first area to inside the first area based on the obtained transport request information.

[0031] (10) The computer program identifies a first area where vehicles need to be replenished, outputs an instruction to move vehicles located outside the first area into the first area, and, if it obtains transport request information requesting the transport of goods, causes the computer to perform the following processes to determine the route for the vehicles to move from outside the first area into the first area based on the obtained transport request information.

[0032] The present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings illustrating its embodiments.

[0033] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a dispatch system. The dispatch system includes a dispatch device 50. The dispatch system may also include multiple vehicles 10. The vehicles 10 are, for example, taxis. In this specification, the vehicles 10 will be described as taxis. Terminal devices 20 and 30 are connected to the dispatch device 50 via a communication network 1. In Figure 1, one terminal device 20 and one terminal device 30 are shown, but there may be multiple terminal devices 20 and 30.

[0034] The terminal device 20 can be, for example, a smartphone or tablet. The terminal device 20 is used by customers (passengers) riding in the vehicle 10, and customers can use the terminal device 20 to send a vehicle dispatch request to the dispatch device 50. Customers may also send a dispatch request via the web using the terminal device 20, or they may call an operator directly by telephone to convey their dispatch request.

[0035] The terminal device 30 can be configured as, for example, a computer, a tablet terminal, etc. The terminal device 30 is used by personnel of product retailers, delivery companies, etc., and the personnel can use the terminal device 30 to output a request for the transportation of goods to the dispatch device 50. In this specification, goods include, but are not limited to, goods handled by carriers, goods handled by food delivery companies, etc.

[0036] The dispatch system 50 can be configured, for example, as a server. The dispatch system 50 is operated by a taxi operator and dispatches vehicles 10. The dispatch system 50 may be configured as a single server or as multiple servers.

[0037] The dispatching system 50 includes a control unit 51 that controls the entire system, a first communication unit 52, a second communication unit 53, a memory 54, a display unit 55, an operation unit 56, a storage unit 57, and an interface unit 59.

[0038] The control unit 51 may be configured by incorporating a required number of CPUs (Central Processing Units), MPUs (Micro-Processing Units), GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), etc. Alternatively, the control unit 51 may be configured by combining DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays), etc.

[0039] The first communication unit 52 is equipped with a communication module and has the function of communicating with each of the multiple vehicles 10. Each of the multiple vehicles 10 is equipped with a communication device for communicating with the dispatching device 50.

[0040] The second communication unit 53 is equipped with a communication module and has the function of communicating with terminal devices 20 and 30 via the communication network 1.

[0041] The display unit 55 is composed of a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and provides a user interface (UI) to the user by displaying the required information. An external display device may be used instead of the display unit 55.

[0042] The operation unit 56 is, for example, configured as a touch panel and can perform operations such as manipulating icons displayed on the display unit 55, moving and manipulating the cursor, and inputting text. The operation unit 56 may be configured as buttons or switches, or as a keyboard or mouse. The operation unit 56 provides a user interface (UI) to the user by accepting user input. Alternatively, an external terminal device for operation may be provided instead of the operation unit 56.

[0043] The storage unit 57 can be made up of semiconductor memory or a hard disk, and stores a computer program (program product) 58 and necessary information.

[0044] The computer program 58 can be read by a recording medium (e.g., an optically readable disc storage medium such as a CD-ROM) M using a recording medium reading unit (not shown) and stored in a storage unit 57. The computer program 58 may also be read by a recording medium such as a storage device (semiconductor memory such as an SSD (Solid State Drive)) connected by a standard for connecting to a computer (e.g., USB (Universal Serial Bus) or other standards) and stored in a storage unit 57. Alternatively, the computer program 58 may be downloaded from an external device via a second communication unit 53 and stored in a storage unit 57.

[0045] The memory 54 can be composed of semiconductor memory such as SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), or flash memory. The computer program 58 is loaded into the memory 54, and the control unit 51 can execute the computer program 58. The control unit 51 can execute the processing defined in the computer program 58. In other words, the processing performed by the control unit 51 is also the processing performed by the computer program 58.

[0046] The interface unit 59 provides interface functions for accessing the demand quantity DB (database) 61 and the travel route information DB 62. The dispatch device 50 can acquire information recorded in the demand quantity DB 61 and the travel route information DB 62 via the interface unit 59 and record that information in the demand quantity DB 61 and the travel route information DB 62. Details of the information recorded in the demand quantity DB 61 and the travel route information DB 62 will be described later.

[0047] This section describes the business activity area of ​​a taxi operator that operates the dispatch system 50.

[0048] Figure 2 schematically shows the service area of ​​a taxi operator. In Figure 2, the service area (also simply called the "area") is divided into six areas (sub-areas) S1 to S6. Each area S1 to S6 may be divided by boundaries such as cities and towns. Multiple cities or towns may be included in one area (S1, for example). Furthermore, each area S1 to S6 may include one or more train stations. Each area S1 to S6 is sufficient as a service area where a certain level of demand is expected. Note that the number of divided areas is not limited to six. In addition, each of the multiple areas S1 to S6 may overlap with other areas.

[0049] The dispatching device 50 identifies areas where vehicle replenishment is needed (first area) and areas where there is a surplus of vehicles (second area) from among multiple areas S1 to S6. The method for identifying the first and second areas will be described below.

[0050] Figure 3 shows an example of a method for identifying the first and second regions. In Figure 3, the horizontal axis represents time (for example, time periods of a day), and the vertical axis represents the number of vehicles. First, the method for identifying the first region will be explained. The control unit 51 obtains historical information on the number of vehicles in each of the multiple regions S1 to S6 from the demand number DB 61. The control unit 51 obtains the number of vehicles present in each of the multiple regions S1 to S6. The number of vehicles present in each of the multiple regions S1 to S6 can be identified based on the location information of each vehicle 10. The historical information on the number of vehicles in a region is historical information on past demand, and can be, for example, information showing how the number of vehicles in demand changes according to the time period of a day, and may be used as demand forecast information. The control unit 51 may identify the first region based on the historical information on the number of vehicles in a region and the number of vehicles present.

[0051] As shown in Figure 3, by comparing the trend in the number of vehicles in demand with the trend in the number of vehicles in existence, if the number of vehicles in demand exceeds the number of vehicles in existence, a first region can be identified as a region where vehicle replenishment is necessary. The first region can be defined as a region where the difference between the number of vehicles in demand and the number of vehicles in existence is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold (for example, 5 vehicles), that is, a region where the number of vehicles in demand exceeds the number of vehicles in existence. This allows for the identification of regions where vehicle replenishment is necessary.

[0052] Furthermore, the control unit 51 may acquire historical information for each predetermined time period and identify a first area for each predetermined time period based on the acquired historical information and the number of vehicles. The predetermined time period may be, for example, every 3 hours or every 6 hours. If the number of vehicles in demand and the number of vehicles already in service are known for each time period, the first area can be identified for each time period. This makes it possible to identify areas where vehicle replenishment is necessary for each time period.

[0053] Next, we will explain how to identify the second region. As shown in Figure 3, by comparing the trend in the number of vehicles in demand with the trend in the number of vehicles in existence, if the number of vehicles in existence exceeds the number of vehicles in demand, the second region can be identified as a region where there is a surplus of vehicles. The second region can be defined as a region where the difference between the number of vehicles in existence and the number of vehicles in demand is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold (for example, 5 vehicles), that is, a region where the number of vehicles in existence exceeds the number of vehicles in demand. This allows us to identify regions where there is a surplus of vehicles.

[0054] Furthermore, the control unit 51 may acquire historical information for each predetermined time period and identify a second area for each predetermined time period based on the acquired historical information and the number of vehicles. The predetermined time period may be, for example, every 3 hours or every 6 hours. If the number of vehicles in demand and the number of vehicles in existence are known for each time period, the second area can be identified for each time period. This makes it possible to identify areas where there is a surplus of vehicles for each time period.

[0055] As described above, the control unit 51 can identify a first region where vehicle replenishment is necessary and output an instruction to move vehicles located outside the first region (for example, the second region) into the first region. The instruction to move should be output to each vehicle 10 determined to be surplus in the second region. Vehicles 10 that receive an instruction to move to the first region will move toward the first region.

[0056] When the control unit 51 receives a transport request information requesting the transport of goods from the terminal device 30, it can determine the vehicle's movement route from the second area to the first area based on the acquired transport request information.

[0057] Figure 4 shows an example of determining a travel route based on transport request information. In the example in Figure 4, it is assumed that five vehicles, V1 to V5, located in the second area, have been instructed to move into the first area. The control unit 51 may identify the pickup and delivery locations of the cargo based on the acquired transport request information. For example, if transport request information including pickup location P1 and delivery location D1 is acquired as shown in Figure 4, the control unit 51 may determine a travel route for vehicle V1, which is the shortest distance from pickup location P1, so that it passes through pickup location P1 and delivery location D1. The control unit 51 outputs the determined travel route to vehicle V1. The driver of vehicle V1 moves from the second area to the first area according to the determined travel route. In this case, the travel route of vehicle V1 is a route connecting the current vehicle position in the second area, pickup location P1, and delivery location D1. As a result, the vehicle can deliver the cargo based on the transport request information, making effective use of the vehicle dispatch process.

[0058] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, if transportation request information including pickup location P2 and delivery location D2 is acquired, the control unit 51 may determine a travel route for vehicle V3, which is the shortest distance from pickup location P2, so that it passes through pickup location P2 and delivery location D2. The control unit 51 outputs the determined travel route to vehicle V3. The driver of vehicle V3 moves from the second area to the first area according to the determined travel route. In this case, the travel route of vehicle V3 is a route connecting the current vehicle position in the second area, pickup location P2, and delivery location D2. As a result, the vehicle can deliver the cargo based on the transportation request information, making effective use of the vehicle dispatch process.

[0059] As mentioned above, when dispatching a vehicle from the second area (outside the first area) to the first area, the vehicle can deliver the goods based on the transport request information, thus making effective use of the dispatching process.

[0060] When the control unit 51 receives a dispatch request from the customer, including the boarding and alighting locations, from the terminal device 20, it may determine a travel path from outside the first area of ​​the vehicle to inside the first area, passing through the boarding and alighting locations, based on the received dispatch request.

[0061] Figure 5 shows an example of determining a travel route based on a customer's dispatch request. In the example in Figure 5, it is assumed that five vehicles, V1 to V5, located in the second area, have been instructed to move into the first area. The control unit 51 may identify the customer's boarding and alighting locations based on the acquired dispatch request. For example, if a dispatch request including boarding location S1 and alighting location E1 is acquired as shown in Figure 5, the control unit 51 may determine a travel route for vehicle V4, which is the shortest distance from boarding location S1, so that it passes through both boarding location S1 and alighting location E1. The control unit 51 outputs the determined travel route to vehicle V4. The driver of vehicle V4 moves from the second area to the first area according to the determined travel route. In this case, the travel route for vehicle V4 is a route connecting the current vehicle position in the second area, boarding location S1, and alighting location E1. This allows the customer to board during the dispatch process, making effective use of the dispatch process.

[0062] Next, we will explain how to determine the travel route when neither cargo transport request information nor customer dispatch requests can be obtained during the dispatch process from the second area to the first area.

[0063] Figure 6 shows an example of a travel route from the second area to the first area. While various travel routes from the second area to the first area are possible depending on actual road conditions, for convenience, we will assume there are three main routes (the first route, the second route, and the third route).

[0064] Figure 7 shows an example of a method for determining a travel route based on the number of vehicles traveling. In Figure 7, the horizontal axis represents time (time period of the day), and the vertical axis represents the number of vehicles traveling. The control unit 51 obtains historical information on the number of vehicles traveling for each route from the second area to the first area from the travel route information DB 62. The historical information on the number of vehicles traveling is historical information on past vehicle counts, and can, for example, be information that shows how the number of vehicles traveling changes according to the time period of the day, and may be used as vehicle count prediction information. The number of vehicles traveling can be, for example, the number of vehicles that traveled with passengers on board.

[0065] In Figure 7, the solid line shows the number of vehicles traveling on Route 1, the dashed line shows the number of vehicles traveling on Route 2, and the dashed line shows the number of vehicles traveling on Route 3. Assume that Route 1 has the most vehicles traveling between 6:00 and 9:00, Route 3 has the most vehicles traveling between 9:00 and 12:00, Route 3 has the most vehicles traveling between 12:00 and 15:00, Route 1 has the most vehicles traveling between 15:00 and 18:00, Route 2 has the most vehicles traveling between 18:00 and 21:00, and Route 2 has the most vehicles traveling between 21:00 and 24:00.

[0066] If the control unit 51 cannot obtain information on the request for cargo transport and the customer's dispatch request, it may determine the vehicle's travel route from the second area to the first area based on the history information of the number of vehicles traveling. For example, during the time period from 6:00 to 9:00, the first route can be determined as the travel route. The same applies to other time periods. This makes it possible to determine, for each time period, which route is most likely to allow the vehicle to travel with passengers on board.

[0067] With the above configuration, if it is not possible to obtain information on cargo transport requests and customer dispatch requests, the route that is most likely to allow travel with passengers on board can be determined as the travel route.

[0068] Figure 8 shows an example of the processing procedure of the dispatch device 50. The control unit 51 obtains historical information on the number of vehicles 10 in each of the multiple areas from the demand number DB 61 (S11), and obtains the number of vehicles 10 present in each of the multiple areas (S12). The number of vehicles 10 present in each of the multiple areas can be obtained by collecting location information detected by the location information detection function provided in the vehicle 10.

[0069] The control unit 51 identifies a first area where vehicle replenishment is necessary and a second area (outside the first area) where there is a surplus of vehicles, based on the acquired historical demand information and the number of vehicles 10 present (S13), and outputs an instruction to the surplus vehicles in the second area to move them to the first area (S14).

[0070] The control unit 51 determines whether or not it has acquired information regarding the shipment request (S15). If it has acquired information regarding the shipment request (YES in S15), it determines a route that passes through the shipment pickup location and delivery location (S16), and then performs the process described in step S21 below.

[0071] If no transportation request information has been obtained (NO in S15), the control unit 51 determines whether or not a dispatch request has been obtained from the customer (S17). If a dispatch request has been obtained (YES in S17), the control unit 51 determines a travel route that passes through the boarding and alighting locations (S18), and then performs the process in step S21 described below.

[0072] If no vehicle dispatch request has been received (NO in S17), the control unit 51 obtains historical information on the number of vehicles traveling for each route from the second area to the first area from the travel route information DB 62 (S19), and determines the vehicle's travel route based on the travel history information (S20). The control unit 51 then instructs the surplus vehicle to follow the determined travel route (S21), and terminates the process.

[0073] The matters described in each embodiment can be combined with each other. Furthermore, the independent and dependent claims described in the claims can be combined with each other in any combination, regardless of the form of reference. In addition, the claims use a form in which claims referencing two or more other claims (multi-claim form), but are not limited to this. A form in which multi-claims referencing at least one multi-claim (multi-multi-claim) may also be used. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0074] 1. Communication Network 10 vehicles 20, 30 Terminal devices 50 Dispatch system 51 Control Unit 52. First Communications Department 53 Second Communications Department 54 memory 55 Display section 56 Operation section 57 Memory section 58 Computer Programs 59 Interface section 61 Demand quantity DB 62. Driving Route Information Database

Claims

1. A method for dispatching vehicles to transport passengers, Identify the first area where vehicle replenishment is needed, Output an instruction to move a vehicle located outside the first area into the first area. When transportation request information for the transport of goods is obtained, the vehicle's movement route from outside the first area to inside the first area is determined based on the obtained transportation request information. How to arrange a vehicle.

2. By obtaining historical information on the number of vehicles in each of multiple areas, The number of vehicles present in each of the aforementioned multiple areas is obtained, Based on the acquired historical information and number of units, the first area is identified. The vehicle dispatch method according to claim 1.

3. The history information is acquired for each predetermined time period, Based on the acquired historical information and the number of units, the first area is identified for each predetermined time period. The vehicle dispatch method according to claim 2.

4. Based on the acquired historical information and the number of vehicles, a second area outside the first area is identified in which there are vehicles to be moved into the first area. The vehicle dispatch method according to claim 2.

5. The history information is acquired for each predetermined time period, Based on the acquired historical information and the number of units, the second area is identified for each predetermined time period. The vehicle dispatch method according to claim 4.

6. Based on the aforementioned transportation request information, the pickup location and delivery location of the package are identified. The vehicle's movement route from outside the first area to inside the first area is determined so as to pass through the specified pickup and delivery locations. The vehicle dispatch method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. When a dispatch request is received from a customer, including the pick-up and drop-off locations, the vehicle's travel route from outside the first area to inside the first area is determined based on the received dispatch request, so as to pass through the pick-up and drop-off locations. The vehicle dispatch method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. The history information of the number of vehicles traveling for each route from outside the first area to inside the first area is obtained, If the aforementioned transportation request information cannot be obtained, the movement route of the vehicle from outside the first area to inside the first area is determined based on the history information of the number of vehicles traveling. The vehicle dispatch method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

9. A dispatching system for dispatching vehicles to transport passengers, Equipped with a control unit, The control unit, Identify the first area where vehicle replenishment is needed, Output an instruction to move a vehicle located outside the first area into the first area. When transportation request information for the transport of goods is obtained, the vehicle's movement route from outside the first area to inside the first area is determined based on the obtained transportation request information. Vehicle dispatch system.

10. Identify the first area where vehicle replenishment is needed, Output an instruction to move a vehicle located outside the first area into the first area. When transportation request information for the transport of goods is obtained, the vehicle's movement route from outside the first area to inside the first area is determined based on the obtained transportation request information. A computer program that instructs a computer to perform a process.

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