Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

Change the destination of a vehicle journey. [Solution] The destination of the vehicle is set to the point where passengers disembark to transfer from the vehicle to a scheduled public transport. Delay information is obtained indicating that an event has occurred that is causing a delay in the scheduled public transport or a delay in the vehicle's movement toward the destination, and the destination of the vehicle is changed based on this delay information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In multimodal route search that performs route search by combining a plurality of means of movement, a technique for proposing a route that uses an optimal means of movement according to the weather on the route is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in multimodal route search including changing from a vehicle to a regularly scheduled transportation facility in this way, after the point where the passengers of the vehicle get off for changing to the regularly scheduled transportation facility is set as the movement destination of the vehicle, for example, if a delay occurs in the movement of the vehicle due to traffic congestion, or if a delay occurs in the regularly scheduled transportation facility, the passengers of the vehicle are often affected by these delays and arrive at the final destination late. In such a case, it is possible to provide efficient movement to the passengers of the vehicle by changing the movement destination of the vehicle to a movement destination that is not affected by these delays as much as possible. However, the above-mentioned known multimodal route search technology does not suggest anything about such a thing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] Therefore, according to the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus including one or more processors, the one or more processors The destination of the vehicle is set as the point where passengers disembark to transfer from the vehicle to a regularly scheduled mode of transport. We obtain delay information indicating that delays have occurred in regularly scheduled transportation services. Delay information refers to information regarding delays in the operation of regularly scheduled public transportation services compared to their timetables. An information processing device is provided that, based on delay information, changes the destination of a vehicle so as not to use the route of a scheduled public transport service that is experiencing delays. Furthermore, according to the present invention, an information processing apparatus comprising one or more processors, One or more processors, The destination of the vehicle is set as the point where passengers disembark to transfer from the vehicle to a regularly scheduled mode of transport. We obtain delay information indicating that delays have occurred in regularly scheduled transportation services. Delay information refers to information regarding delays in the operation of regularly scheduled public transportation services compared to their timetables. An information processing device is provided that, based on delay information, changes the destination of a vehicle to an available departure / arrival point on a route other than the route of the scheduled public transport experiencing the delay. Furthermore, according to the present invention, an information processing apparatus comprising one or more processors, the one or more processors The destination of the vehicle is set as the point where passengers disembark to transfer from the vehicle to a regularly scheduled mode of transport. Delay information is obtained indicating the occurrence of an event that causes a delay in the movement of a vehicle heading towards its destination. Delay information is information about traffic congestion on the roads that vehicles are traveling on towards their destination. An information processing device is provided that, based on delay information, changes the destination of a vehicle so as to shorten the travel distance on roads experiencing traffic congestion. Furthermore, according to the present invention, an information processing apparatus comprising one or more processors, the one or more processors The destination of the vehicle is set as the point where passengers disembark to transfer from the vehicle to a regularly scheduled mode of transport. Delay information is obtained indicating the occurrence of an event that causes a delay in the movement of a vehicle heading towards its destination. Delay information is information about traffic congestion on the roads that vehicles are traveling on towards their destination. An information processing device is provided that, based on delay information, changes the vehicle's destination to an available departure / arrival point on a route different from the route of the scheduled connecting public transport. Furthermore, according to the present invention, an information processing method is provided in which information processing is performed by one or more processors, The destination of the vehicle is set as the point where passengers disembark to transfer from the vehicle to a regularly scheduled mode of transport. We obtain delay information indicating that delays have occurred in regularly scheduled transportation services. Delay information refers to information regarding delays in the operation of regularly scheduled public transportation services compared to their timetables. An information processing method is provided, characterized by changing the destination of a vehicle based on delay information so as not to use the route of a scheduled public transport that is experiencing delays. Furthermore, according to the present invention, a program is provided to cause a computer to function in such a way as to set the point where passengers disembark from a vehicle to transfer to a scheduled public transport as the vehicle's destination, and to acquire delay information indicating that a delay has occurred in the scheduled public transport. Delay information refers to information regarding delays in the operation of regularly scheduled public transportation services compared to their timetables. A program is provided that, based on delay information, changes the vehicle's destination to avoid using routes of scheduled public transport experiencing delays. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] It can provide efficient transportation for vehicle passengers. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an overall diagram of the information processing system. [Figure 2]Figure 2 is a diagram schematically showing the information processing server shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram schematically showing the vehicle dispatch management server shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram schematically showing an autonomous driving taxi. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a functional block diagram of the autonomous driving taxi shown in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram showing the flow of information processing in an information processing system. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a diagram showing the input procedure to a terminal. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a diagram showing the route selection procedure at a terminal. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart for performing Information Processing 1. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart for performing vehicle dispatch management. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a diagram showing a road map presented diagrammatically. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a diagram showing a road map presented diagrammatically. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a diagram showing a road map presented diagrammatically. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a diagram showing a road map presented diagrammatically. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a diagram showing a road map presented diagrammatically. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a diagram showing a road map presented diagrammatically. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a diagram showing a road map presented diagrammatically. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a diagram showing a road map presented diagrammatically. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a flowchart for performing Information Processing 2. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a flowchart for performing Information Processing 2. [Figure 21]Figure 21 is a flowchart for performing a regeneration process of the travel route to mitigate the effects of delay. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a flowchart for regenerating travel routes to mitigate the effects of traffic congestion. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is a flowchart for regenerating travel routes to mitigate the effects of delays and congestion. [Figure 24] Figure 24 is a flowchart for regenerating travel routes to mitigate the effects of delays and congestion. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is a flowchart for controlling the operation of an autonomous taxi. [Figure 26] Figure 26 is a flowchart for controlling the operation of an autonomous taxi. [Figure 27] Figure 27 is a flowchart for controlling the operation of an autonomous taxi. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] When a person travels to a destination, there are usually multiple possible routes to that destination, and one of these routes is selected. In this case, the selected route may involve using multiple different types of transportation, for example, a route that involves transferring from a vehicle to a scheduled public transport. In this case, the point where the vehicle's passengers disembark to transfer to the scheduled public transport is considered the vehicle's destination, and the vehicle's passengers travel to this destination using the vehicle, and then travel using the scheduled public transport. The present invention relates to an information processing technology that, in such cases, changes the travel route and the vehicle's destination so that delays to the scheduled public transport or delays to the vehicle's movement due to traffic congestion do not affect the movement of the vehicle's passengers, or so as to minimize the impact of these delays. In this case, manually driven vehicles, autonomous vehicles, private cars, commercial vehicles including taxis, etc., are considered vehicles to which the present invention applies, and trains and other railways, monorails, buses, airplanes, etc., are considered scheduled public transport to which the present invention applies. In the following explanation of the present invention, we will use the example of a self-driving taxi and a scheduled mode of transport being a train or other railway. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is applicable to manually driven vehicles other than self-driving taxis, self-driving vehicles, private cars, commercial vehicles including taxis, and is also applicable to monorails, buses, and airplanes other than railways. When the present invention is applied to trains or other railways, the term "departure / arrival point" used in the following explanation refers to a "railway station," when the present invention is applied to buses, the term "departure / arrival point" refers to a "bus stop," and when the present invention is applied to airplanes, the term "departure / arrival point" refers to an "airplane airport." Therefore, in the present invention, the term "departure / arrival point" includes "railway stations," "bus stops," and "airplane airports."

[0009] Figure 1 shows an overall diagram of an information processing system suitable for implementing the information processing technology according to the present invention. Referring to Figure 1, 1 represents a communication network, 2 represents a base station of communication network 1, 3 represents an information processing server managed by a route search service provider, 4 represents a dispatch management server managed by an autonomous taxi operator that provides dispatch services for autonomous taxis, 5 represents an autonomous taxi, and 6 represents a terminal owned by a user utilizing the dispatch service of autonomous taxi 5. In Figure 1, terminal 6 is depicted as a mobile terminal, but terminal 6 is not limited to a mobile terminal and may be a stationary terminal.

[0010] Figure 2 shows the information processing server 3 shown in Figure 1. Referring to Figure 2, an electronic control unit 10 is provided within the information processing server 3. This electronic control unit 10 consists of a digital computer and is equipped with a CPU (microprocessor) 12 connected to each other by a bidirectional bus 11, a memory 13 consisting of ROM and RAM, and input / output ports 14. This electronic control unit 10 is connected to a communication network 1.

[0011] Figure 3 shows the dispatch management server 4 shown in Figure 1. Referring to Figure 3, an electronic control unit 15 is provided within the dispatch management server 4. This electronic control unit 15 consists of a digital computer and is equipped with a CPU (microprocessor) 17 connected to each other by a bidirectional bus 16, a memory 18 consisting of ROM and RAM, and input / output ports 19. This electronic control unit 15 is connected to a communication network 1.

[0012] Figure 4 illustrates an example of an autonomous taxi 5. Referring to Figure 4, 20 is the vehicle drive unit for providing driving force to the drive wheels of the autonomous taxi 5, 21 is the braking device for braking the autonomous taxi 5, 22 is the steering device for steering the autonomous taxi 5, and 23 is the electronic control unit installed inside the autonomous taxi 5. As shown in Figure 4, the electronic control unit 23 consists of a digital computer and is equipped with a CPU (microprocessor) 25 connected to each other by a bidirectional bus 24, a memory 26 consisting of ROM and RAM, and input / output ports 27. In the example shown in Figure 4, the vehicle drive unit 20 consists of an electric motor driven by a secondary battery or an electric motor driven by a fuel cell, and the drive wheels are driven and controlled by these electric motors according to the output signals of the electronic control unit 23. In addition, braking control of the autonomous taxi 5 is performed by the braking device 21 according to the output signals of the electronic control unit 23, and steering control of the autonomous taxi 5 is performed by the steering device 22 according to the output signals of the electronic control unit 23. Furthermore, this electronic control unit 23 can be composed of one electronic control unit or multiple electronic control units.

[0013] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 4, the autonomous taxi 5 is equipped with various sensors 28 necessary for autonomous driving, namely sensors for detecting the state of the autonomous taxi 5 and surrounding detection sensors for detecting the area around the autonomous taxi 5. In this case, acceleration sensors, speed sensors, and azimuth sensors are used as sensors for detecting the state of the autonomous taxi 5, and onboard cameras that photograph the front, sides, and rear of the autonomous taxi 5, LiDAR, radar, etc. are used as surrounding detection sensors for detecting the area around the autonomous taxi 5. The autonomous taxi 5 is also equipped with a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver 29, a map data storage device 30, a navigation device 31, and a display device 32 with a display screen.

[0014] The GNSS receiver 29 can detect the current position (e.g., latitude and longitude) of the autonomous taxi 5 based on information obtained from multiple satellites. Therefore, the current position of the autonomous taxi 5 can be obtained using this GNSS receiver 29. For example, a GPS receiver is used as this GNSS receiver 29. On the other hand, the map data storage device 30 stores map data and other information necessary for the autonomous taxi 5 to perform autonomous driving. These various sensors 28, the GNSS receiver 29, the map data storage device 30, the navigation device 31, and the display device 32 are connected to the electronic control unit 23. The autonomous taxi 5 is also equipped with a communication device 33 for communicating with the information processing server 3 and the dispatch management server 4 via the base station 2 and the communication network 1.

[0015] On the other hand, the terminal 6 owned by the user of the ride-hailing service is configured to communicate with the information processing server 3, the ride-hailing management server 4, and the autonomous taxi 5 via the base station 2 and the communication network 1. Thus, in the information processing system shown in Figure 1, the information processing server 3, the ride-hailing management server 4, the autonomous taxi 5, and the terminal 6 can communicate with each other via the communication network 1. In the example shown in Figure 1, the communication device 33 of the autonomous taxi 5 and the terminal 6 are each equipped with short-range wireless communication functions, and the communication device 33 of the autonomous taxi 5 and the terminal 6 are configured to communicate with each other using these short-range wireless communication functions.

[0016] Next, the overall flow of the procedures for determining and changing the travel route and the dispatch and boarding of the autonomous taxi 5 will be explained with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 shows the overall flow of these travel route determination and changing procedures and the dispatch and boarding of the autonomous taxi 5, that is, the overall flow of information processing performed in the embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 6 shows the exchange between the information processing server 3, the dispatch management server 4, the autonomous taxi 5 and the terminal 6. Figure 6 shows the case in which a travel route is selected in which the passenger transfers to a regularly scheduled train after boarding the autonomous taxi 5. Now, referring to Figure 6, in (1), the user using the dispatch service (hereinafter simply referred to as the user) inputs the departure point, departure time, destination, desired arrival time at the destination, etc., into the terminal 6 using a travel route search application and requests a travel route search.

[0017] In (2), when the information processing server 3 receives the request to search for a travel route, in (3), the information processing server 3 searches for a travel route that satisfies the request based on the received departure point, departure time, destination, desired arrival time at the destination, etc. Next, in (4), the search results for the travel route are transmitted from the information processing server 3 to the terminal 6. In (5), when the terminal 6 receives the search results for the travel route, in (6), the user uses the travel route search application on the display screen of the terminal 6 to select the desired travel route from among the multiple travel routes that have been searched.

[0018] It should be noted that the search results for travel routes in (4) may not include routes involving a transfer from the autonomous taxi 5 to a regularly scheduled train. However, the information processing flow shown in Figure 6 describes the case where the search results for travel routes in (4) include routes involving a transfer from the autonomous taxi 5 to a regularly scheduled train, and furthermore, in (6), the travel route involving a transfer from the autonomous taxi 5 to a regularly scheduled train is selected as the desired travel route.

[0019] Now, in (6), if a travel route involving a transfer from the autonomous taxi 5 to a regularly scheduled train is selected, in (7), the user registers the desired dispatch details, consisting of the desired pick-up location, desired pick-up time, and desired drop-off location of the autonomous taxi 5, using the dispatch reservation application on the display screen of terminal 6. Once the desired dispatch details are registered, a notification that a dispatch reservation has been made, along with the registered desired dispatch details and the user's desired travel route, is sent from terminal 6 to the information processing server 3. When the information processing server 3 receives the notification that a dispatch reservation has been made, along with the desired dispatch details and the user's desired travel route, the received desired dispatch details and the user's desired travel route are stored in the memory 18 of the information processing server 3, and in (8), a dispatch request is sent from the information processing server 3 to the dispatch management server 4. This dispatch request includes the user's desired travel route, information on railways where transfers are planned along the user's desired travel route, the desired pick-up location, desired pick-up time, and desired drop-off location for the autonomous taxi 5, and a user ID to identify the user. This dispatch request may also include the user's departure location, departure time, destination, and desired arrival time at the destination, which were received by the information processing server 3 in (2).

[0020] In (9), when the dispatch management server 4 receives a dispatch request, in (10), the dispatch management server 4 searches for an autonomous driving taxi 5 located near the user's desired pick-up location that can be dispatched to the user's desired pick-up location at the user's desired pick-up time, and selects an autonomous driving taxi 5 to be dispatched. In this case, the search can include autonomous driving taxis 5 that are currently vacant, and autonomous driving taxis 5 that are expected to become vacant near the user's desired pick-up time based on reservation information can also be included in the search. Once an autonomous driving taxi 5 to be dispatched is selected, in (11), a dispatch instruction is sent from the dispatch management server 4 to the selected autonomous driving taxi 5, along with the user's desired travel route, information on railways where transfers are planned on the user's desired travel route, the desired dispatch details such as the pick-up location, drop-off location and pick-up time of the autonomous driving taxi 5, and the user ID.

[0021] In (12), when the autonomous taxi 5 receives a dispatch instruction, the electronic control unit 23 of the autonomous taxi 5 generates a route from its current location to the user's desired pick-up location based on the user's desired pick-up location. Next, in (13), autonomous driving of the autonomous taxi 5 is started, and the autonomous taxi 5 is made to drive along the generated route so as to arrive at the user's desired pick-up location at the user's desired pick-up time. After that, in (14), when the autonomous taxi 5 arrives at the user's desired pick-up location, in (15), the process of obtaining the search results for the travel route is performed, and in (16), the process of re-searching the travel route is performed. The process of obtaining the search results for the travel route performed in (15) and the process of re-searching the travel route performed in (16) will be explained in detail later, but simply put, in (15), the information processing server 3 presents multiple travel routes from the current location that have been re-searched.

[0022] Next, in (17), user authentication is performed between the user's terminal 6, which made the ride reservation, and the autonomous taxi 5 using short-range communication. This authentication is performed, for example, by comparing the user ID stored in the memory 26 of the autonomous taxi 5 at the time of the ride request with the user ID stored in the terminal 6 of the user who made the ride request. When these user IDs match, the user holding the terminal 6 is authenticated as the user who made the ride request. Various known authentication methods, such as facial recognition, are known for user authentication, and these known authentication methods can be used as the authentication method in (17).

[0023] In (17), when the user holding terminal 6 is authenticated as the user who requested the ride, the door of the autonomous taxi 5 opens, and the user, or the user and others, board the autonomous taxi 5. Next, when the passenger confirmation device installed inside the autonomous taxi 5 determines that the user, or the user and others, have boarded, the door of the autonomous taxi 5 closes. Next, in (18), the user selects a new desired travel route from among the multiple travel routes presented in (15), resets the desired drop-off location, and requests the autonomous taxi 5 to start driving. When the request to start driving the autonomous taxi 5 is made, the electronic control unit 23 of the autonomous taxi 5 generates a travel route from the current location to the user's reset desired drop-off location. These processes in (18) will be explained in detail later. Next, in (19), the autonomous taxi 5 starts driving automatically.

[0024] Next, we will describe the configurations of the information processing server 3, dispatch management server 4, autonomous taxi 5, and terminal 6 in order to execute the information processing flow shown in Figure 6. First, regarding the configuration of the information processing server 3, the information processing server 3 is configured to communicate with the dispatch management server 4, autonomous taxi 5, and terminal 6 via the communication network 1. On the other hand, the information processing server 3 is equipped with an information receiving unit that can receive railway operation information and railway delay information from railway operators in real time, and road traffic congestion information from local governments, etc., via the communication network 1. The information processing server 3 is also equipped with a search request receiving unit that receives a travel route search request from the user's terminal 6, along with the departure point, departure time, destination, desired arrival time at the destination, etc. The information processing server 3 is also equipped with a travel route search unit that can search for multiple travel routes, including at least a multimodal travel route using the autonomous taxi 5 and the railway, based on the departure point, departure time, destination, desired arrival time at the destination, etc. received by the search request receiving unit.

[0025] Furthermore, the information processing server 3 is equipped with a search result transmission unit for transmitting multiple travel routes found by the travel route search unit to the user's terminal 6. The information processing server 3 is also equipped with a dispatch reservation reception unit for receiving the user's desired travel route, along with the desired dispatch details consisting of the desired pick-up location, desired pick-up time, and desired drop-off location for the autonomous taxi 5, and confirmation that a dispatch reservation has been made, from the user's terminal 6. The information processing server 3 also acquires the user's desired travel route, the desired dispatch details such as the pick-up location, drop-off location, and pick-up time for the autonomous taxi 5 to be used by the user on the desired travel route, and information regarding railways on the user's desired travel route. The information processing server 3 is equipped with a dispatch request transmission unit for transmitting a dispatch request containing the acquired user's desired travel route, desired dispatch details, and railway information to the dispatch management server 4. The information processing server 3 is also equipped with an information provision unit for providing the user with various information other than the multiple travel routes that have been found.

[0026] Next, the configuration of the dispatch management server 4 will be described. The dispatch management server 4 is configured to communicate with the information processing server 3, the autonomous driving taxi 5, and the terminal 6 via the communication network 1. The dispatch management server 4 is equipped with a dispatch request receiving unit to receive information from the information processing server 3 regarding the user's desired travel route, the boarding location, alighting location, and boarding time of the autonomous driving taxi 5 to be used by the user, as well as information regarding planned railway transfers. The dispatch management server 4 is also equipped with a vehicle search unit to search for an autonomous driving taxi 5 located near the user's desired boarding location that can be dispatched to the user's desired boarding location at the user's desired boarding time, and select an autonomous driving taxi 5 to be dispatched. Furthermore, the dispatch management server 4 is equipped with a dispatch instruction transmitting unit to transmit a dispatch instruction along with the user's desired travel route, the boarding location, alighting location, and boarding time of the autonomous driving taxi 5 to be used by the user, as well as information regarding planned railway transfers, to the selected autonomous driving taxi 5.

[0027] Next, the configuration of terminal 6 will be described. Terminal 6 is equipped with a communication unit for communicating with the information processing server 3, the dispatch management server 4, and the autonomous driving taxi 5 via the communication network 1. Terminal 6 is also equipped with a current location acquisition unit, such as a GPS receiver, which can detect the current location of terminal 6 (e.g., latitude and longitude). Terminal 6 also has a display screen. On the display screen of terminal 6, it is possible to input the departure point, departure time, destination, desired arrival time at the destination, etc., using a travel route search application and request a travel route search. Terminal 6 is also configured to display multiple travel routes searched by the information processing server 3 on the display screen of terminal 6. On the display screen of terminal 6, the user can select their desired travel route from among the multiple travel routes searched by the information processing server 3, and furthermore, it is possible to reserve an autonomous driving taxi 5 on the display screen of terminal 6. In this case, it is also possible to configure the terminal 6's display screen to allow users to directly make a ride reservation to the ride management server 4 using a ride reservation application.

[0028] Finally, regarding the configuration of the autonomous taxi 5, the overall configuration of the autonomous taxi 5 has already been explained with reference to Figure 4, so here, the various controls performed by the electronic control unit 23 of the autonomous taxi 5 will be explained with reference to the functional configuration diagram shown in Figure 5. Referring to Figure 5, the autonomous taxi 5 comprises a travel route receiving unit 40, a driving route generation unit 41, an automatic driving control unit 42, a communication unit 43, an authentication unit 44, a travel route search result acquisition unit 45, a display control unit 46, and a current location acquisition unit 47. In one embodiment of the information processing device according to the present invention, the travel route receiving unit 40, the communication unit 43, the travel route search result acquisition unit 45, and the display control unit 46 constitute the information processing device.

[0029] In Figure 5, the travel route receiving unit 40 receives information from the dispatch management server 4, including the user's desired travel route, the pick-up location, drop-off location, and pick-up time of the autonomous taxi 5 to be used by the user, as well as information about the railway lines to which transfers are planned. In this case, the travel route receiving unit 40 can also receive this information from the information processing server 3. Meanwhile, the driving route generation unit 41 generates the driving route of the autonomous taxi 5 from the current location to the user's desired pick-up location, and the driving route of the autonomous taxi 5 from the user's desired pick-up location to the user's desired drop-off location, based on this information.

[0030] The automatic driving control unit 42 controls the automatic driving of the autonomous taxi 5 along the generated driving route. The communication unit 43 is connected to the communication device 33 and can communicate with the information processing server 3, the dispatch management server 4, and the terminal 6 through the communication device 33. The authentication unit 44 authenticates that the person who boards the autonomous taxi 5 is the user who made the reservation for the autonomous taxi 5. The re-search result acquisition unit 45 acquires the re-search result of the re-searched driving route from the information processing server 3. The display control unit 46 is connected to the display device 32 which has a display screen installed inside the autonomous taxi 5, and the display content of the display screen installed inside the autonomous taxi 5 is controlled by the display control unit 46. In addition, the current location acquisition unit 47 acquires the current location of the autonomous taxi 5 based on the received data received by the GNSS receiver 29.

[0031] Next, with reference to Figures 7 to 10, we will describe an example of how to execute the processes shown in (1) to (11) in the flow chart of Figure 6. Figure 7 shows the user's input procedure to terminal 6. Referring to Figure 7, first, in A1, the user uses the route search application to display the route search input screen on the terminal 6's display screen. Next, in A2, for example, the user enters the departure point in the departure point field on the input screen. In this case, the user can also specify the departure point on the map displayed on the terminal 6's display screen. Next, in A3, the user enters the departure time in the departure time field on the input screen. Next, in A4, for example, the user enters the destination in the destination field on the input screen. In this case, the user can also specify the destination on the map displayed on the terminal 6's display screen. Next, in A5, the user enters the desired arrival time at the destination in the desired arrival time field on the input screen. Next, in A6, for example, the user touches the search request button displayed on the input screen. When the search request button is touched, a route search request is sent to the information processing server 3 along with the entered departure point, departure time, destination, and desired arrival time at the destination.

[0032] Figure 8 shows the procedure for a user to select a route on terminal 6. Referring to Figure 8, first, in B1, the search results for multiple travel routes transmitted from the information processing server 3 are displayed on the display screen of terminal 6. Next, in B2, the desired travel route is selected from among these multiple travel routes. At this time, the case in which a travel route involving a transfer from the autonomous taxi 5 to a regularly scheduled train is selected as the desired travel route will be explained. Once the desired travel route is selected in B2, in B3, the user uses the dispatch reservation application on the display screen of terminal 6 to register the desired pick-up location, desired pick-up time, and desired drop-off location for the autonomous taxi 5, respectively. In this case as well, the registration of the desired pick-up location and desired drop-off location can also be done by specifying the desired pick-up location and desired drop-off location on the map displayed on the display screen of terminal 6. Once the desired dispatch details, consisting of the desired pick-up location, desired pick-up time, and desired drop-off location, are registered, B4 transmits a message from terminal 6 to information processing server 3 indicating that a dispatch reservation has been made, along with the registered desired dispatch details and the user's desired travel route.

[0033] Figure 9 shows the routine for performing information processing 1, which is executed by the electronic control unit 10 of the information processing server 3 via interrupts at regular intervals. Referring to Figure 9, first, in step 60, it is determined whether or not a travel route search request has been received from terminal 6. If it is determined that a travel route search request has been received from terminal 6, the process proceeds to step 61, where the received data, such as the user's departure point, departure time, destination, and desired arrival time at the destination, received along with the travel route search request, is stored in the memory 13 of the electronic control unit 10. Next, in step 62, current railway operation information and current railway delay information are received from the railway operator, and the received current railway operation information and current railway delay information are stored in the memory 13 of the electronic control unit 10. Next, in step 63, a search for multiple travel routes that satisfy the user's request is performed. Next, in step 64, the travel route search results are stored in the memory 13 of the electronic control unit 10. Next, in step 65, the travel route search results are transmitted to terminal 6. Next, the process proceeds to step 66. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 60 that a travel route search request has not been received from terminal 6, the process jumps to step 66.

[0034] In step 66, it is determined whether or not a reservation has been received from terminal 6, along with the desired pick-up location, desired pick-up time, desired drop-off location, and the user's desired travel route for the autonomous taxi 5. If it is determined that a reservation has been received from terminal 6, the process proceeds to step 67, where the received desired pick-up location, desired pick-up time, desired drop-off location, and the user's desired travel route are stored in the memory 13 of the electronic control unit 10. Next, in step 68, a dispatch request including the user's desired travel route, information about railways where transfers are planned along the user's desired travel route, the desired pick-up location, desired pick-up time, and desired drop-off location for the autonomous taxi 5, and a user ID to identify the user is sent to the dispatch management server 4. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 66 that a reservation has not been received from terminal 6, the processing cycle ends.

[0035] Figure 10 shows the dispatch management routine executed in the electronic control unit 15 of the dispatch management server 4, and this routine is executed repeatedly. Referring to Figure 10, first, in step 70, it is determined whether or not a dispatch request has been received from the information processing server 3. If it is determined that no dispatch request has been received from the information processing server 3, the processing cycle ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that a dispatch request has been received from the information processing server 3, the process proceeds to step 71, where the received information is processed, including the user's desired travel route, information on railways where transfers are planned on the user's desired travel route, the desired boarding location for the autonomous taxi 5, the desired boarding time and desired alighting location, and the user ID. The received data, such as this, is stored in the memory 18 of the electronic control unit 15.

[0036] Next, in step 72, an autonomous driving taxi 5 located near the user's desired pick-up location is searched for, and an autonomous driving taxi 5 that can be dispatched to the user's desired pick-up location at the user's desired pick-up time is searched for. In this case, the search can include autonomous driving taxis 5 that are currently available, and autonomous driving taxis 5 that are scheduled to become available near the user's desired pick-up time based on reservation information can also be included in the search. Next, in step 73, an autonomous driving taxi 5 to be dispatched is selected from the searched autonomous driving taxis 5. Once an autonomous driving taxi 5 to be dispatched is selected, in step 74, the dispatch instruction is sent from the dispatch management server 4 to the selected autonomous driving taxi 5, along with the user's desired travel route, information on railways where transfers are planned on the user's desired travel route, the desired dispatch details such as the pick-up location, drop-off location and pick-up time of the autonomous driving taxi 5, and the user ID. Next, in step 75, a message is sent to the terminal 6 indicating that the dispatch has been completed.

[0037] When a dispatch instruction is sent from the dispatch management server 4 to the selected autonomous driving taxi 5, the processes shown in (12) to (19) in the flow of Figure 6 are executed. Therefore, next, with reference to Figures 11 to 27, an embodiment for executing the processes shown in (12) to (19) in the flow of Figure 6 will be described.

[0038] Now, in step (12) of the flow shown in Figure 6, when the dispatched autonomous taxi 5 receives a dispatch instruction from the dispatch management server 4, the dispatched autonomous taxi 5 will first automatically drive towards the user's desired pick-up location according to the user's desired travel route. Once the user boards the autonomous taxi 5 at the desired pick-up location, the autonomous taxi 5 will begin to automatically drive towards the user's desired drop-off location, that is, the destination of the autonomous taxi 5 for transferring to the train.

[0039] For example, in this case, the train operation status and road congestion may differ between the time the user selects their desired travel route using terminal 6 and makes a reservation for the autonomous taxi 5, and the time the dispatched autonomous taxi 5 arrives at the user's desired pick-up location. Even if there were no train delays or road congestion when the user selected their desired travel route using terminal 6 and made a reservation for the autonomous taxi 5, there may be train delays or road congestion when the dispatched autonomous taxi 5 arrives at the user's desired pick-up location. In other words, if the autonomous taxi 5 travels according to the user's desired travel route from the user's desired pick-up location to the user's desired drop-off location, i.e., the destination for the autonomous taxi 5 to transfer to the train, it may be greatly affected by train delays and road congestion, which may prevent the user from arriving at their final destination on schedule.

[0040] In such cases, by changing the desired travel route selected by the user to a route that is less affected by train delays and road congestion, and by changing the destination of the autonomous taxi 5 for transferring to the train, it becomes possible to provide efficient travel to the passengers of the vehicle. Therefore, in the embodiment of the present invention, when train delays or road congestion occur, the desired travel route selected by the user is changed to a route that is less affected by train delays and road congestion, and the destination of the autonomous taxi 5 for transferring to the train is changed. Such processing of changing the travel route and the destination of the autonomous taxi 5 is performed in (16) and (15) of the flow in Figure 6. Therefore, before explaining the routines for performing the processing from (12) to (19) of the flow in Figure 6, we will first explain the processing performed in (16) and (15) of Figure 6, referring to Figures 11 to 18.

[0041] Figures 11 to 18 show some specific examples of changes to the travel route and the destination of the autonomous taxi 5 that occur in Figures 6(16) and (15). First, referring to Figure 11, which shows an example of a road map, the dashed lines a and b represent two railway lines, and the solid line r represents a road. Also, A represents a station common to lines a and b, B, C and D represent stations on line a, and E and F represent stations on line b. In Figure 11, P represents the user's departure point, and Q represents the user's final destination. Note that the railway lines a and b, stations A, B, C, D, E and F, road r, user's departure point P, and user's final destination Q shown in Figure 11 are the same in the remaining Figures 12 to 18.

[0042] Next, referring to Figure 12, the bold arrows indicate the desired travel route selected by the user from among multiple travel routes when making a ride reservation. In Figure 12, S represents the user's desired pick-up location. This user's desired pick-up location S is the same in Figures 13 to 18. In the example shown in Figure 12, when traveling from the departure point P to the final destination Q, the user's desired travel route is to travel from the desired pick-up location S to station C on line a by autonomous taxi 5, and then from station C to station A, the nearest station to the final destination Q, by train on line a. In this case, station C is the destination of the autonomous taxi 5, which picks up the user at the user's desired pick-up location S and then automatically drives to the destination of the autonomous taxi 5.

[0043] Next, referring to Figures 13 to 15, the 'x' marks in these figures indicate that a railway delay has occurred. Therefore, Figures 13 to 15 show cases where a railway delay has occurred between stations A and B on line a, between stations B and C on line a, between stations C and D on line a, etc. In the embodiment of the present invention, when a railway delay occurs in this way, a travel route that mitigates the effects of the railway delay is regenerated. In this case, in the example shown in Figure 13, a new travel route is generated in which the autonomous taxi 5 travels from the desired boarding position S to station E on line b (bold arrow), and then travels from station E to station A, the nearest station to the final destination Q, by railway on line b. In this case, a new travel route is generated that uses a different line b than the line a where the delay has occurred. In this case, station E becomes the destination of the autonomous taxi 5, and therefore, the destination of the autonomous taxi 5 has been changed.

[0044] On the other hand, in the example shown in Figure 14, a new travel route is generated in which the autonomous taxi 5 travels from the desired boarding location S to station B on line a (bold arrow), and then travels from station B to station A, the nearest station to the final destination Q, by train on line a. In this case, a new travel route is generated that shortens the travel distance on line a where delays are occurring. In this case, since line a where delays are occurring is used only between stations A and B, that is, the travel distance on line a where delays are occurring is shortened, and the impact of train delays is mitigated. In this case, station B becomes the destination of the autonomous taxi 5, and therefore, in this case as well, the destination of the autonomous taxi 5 has been changed.

[0045] On the other hand, in the example shown in Figure 15, a new route is generated for the autonomous taxi 5 to travel from the desired pick-up location S to the nearest station A of the final destination Q (bold arrow), that is, the route for the autonomous taxi 5 to station A on the line experiencing delays. In this case, station A becomes the destination of the autonomous taxi 5, and therefore, in this case as well, the destination of the autonomous taxi 5 has been changed.

[0046] Next, referring to Figures 16 to 18, the x marks in these figures indicate that traffic congestion is occurring on road r. Therefore, Figures 16 to 18 show the case where traffic congestion occurs on the user's desired travel route. In the embodiment of the present invention, when congestion occurs in this way, a travel route that mitigates the effects of the congestion is regenerated. In this case, in the example shown in Figure 16, a new travel route is generated in which the autonomous driving taxi 5 travels from the desired pick-up location S to station B on line a (bold arrow), and then travels from station B to the nearest station A to the final destination Q by rail on line a. In this case, station B becomes the destination of the autonomous driving taxi 5, and therefore, the destination of the autonomous driving taxi 5 has been changed. Thus, in this case, a new travel route is generated that does not go through the congested road r and goes to a different destination (station B) than the destination (station C) on the user's desired travel route.

[0047] On the other hand, in the example shown in Figure 17, a new travel route is generated in which the autonomous taxi 5 travels from the desired pick-up location S to station D on line a (bold arrow), and then travels from station D to the nearest station A to the final destination Q by rail on line a. In this case, a new travel route is generated that shortens the distance traveled on roads where traffic congestion is occurring. In this case, the route only passes through a portion of the congested road, meaning that the distance traveled on the congested road is shortened, thus mitigating the effects of congestion. In this case, station D becomes the destination of the autonomous taxi 5, and therefore, the destination of the autonomous taxi 5 has also been changed.

[0048] On the other hand, in the example shown in Figure 18, a new travel route is generated in which the autonomous taxi 5 travels from the desired pick-up location S to station E on line b (bold arrow), and then travels from station E to station A, the nearest station to the final destination Q, by rail on line b. In other words, a new travel route is generated that does not go through the congested road r and uses a different line b than line a used in the user's desired travel route. In this case, station E becomes the destination of the autonomous taxi 5, and therefore the destination of the autonomous taxi 5 has been changed. Thus, in this case, a new travel route is generated that does not go through the congested road r and goes to a destination (station E) that is different from the destination (station C) in the user's desired travel route.

[0049] The new travel routes shown in Figures 13 to 18 are retrieved by the information processing server 3 using a travel route search routine when the autonomous driving taxi 5 requests information about the new travel route from the information processing server 3 in Figures 6(15) and (16). An example of this travel route search routine is shown as information processing 2 in Figures 19 to 24. This routine shown as information processing 2 in Figures 19 to 24 is executed by the electronic control unit 10 of the information processing server 3 via interrupts at regular intervals. This routine will be described below.

[0050] Referring to Figures 19 and 20, first, in step 80, it is determined whether or not the autonomous taxi 5 has requested information about a new travel route from the information processing server 3. This request for information about a new travel route is issued when the autonomous taxi 5 arrives at the user's desired pick-up location S. If it is determined that there is no request for information about a new travel route from the autonomous taxi 5 to the information processing server 3, the processing cycle ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the autonomous taxi 5 has requested information about a new travel route from the information processing server 3, the process proceeds to step 81, where current railway delay information is received from the railway operator and current road traffic congestion information is received from local governments, etc., and the received information is stored in the memory 13 of the electronic control unit 10.

[0051] Next, in step 82, the user's desired travel route stored in the memory 13 of the electronic control unit 10 is read. Then, in step 83, it is determined whether the user's desired travel route passes through a railway delay area of ​​a predetermined distance or longer. If it is determined that the user's desired travel route passes through a delay area of ​​a predetermined distance or longer, the delay flag is set. On the other hand, if it is determined that the user's desired travel route does not pass through a delay area of ​​a predetermined distance or longer, the delay flag is reset. The predetermined distance to the railway delay area is, for example, 100m.

[0052] Next, in step 84, it is determined whether the user's desired travel route passes through a congested area of ​​a predetermined distance or longer. If it is determined that the user's desired travel route passes through a congested area of ​​a predetermined distance or longer, the congestion flag is set. On the other hand, if it is determined that the user's desired travel route does not pass through a congested area of ​​a predetermined distance or longer, the congestion flag is reset. The predetermined distance to the congested area is, for example, 50m.

[0053] Next, in step 85, it is determined whether the delay flag is set and the congestion flag is reset. If it is determined that the delay flag is set and the congestion flag is reset, that is, if there is no traffic congestion but there is a railway delay, the process proceeds to step 86, where a regeneration process for a travel route that mitigates the effects of the railway delay is performed. This regeneration process for a travel route that mitigates the effects of the railway delay is shown in Figure 21.

[0054] Referring to Figure 21, in step 100, a search for a travel route using an alternative route different from the one experiencing delays is performed based on the current railway delay information. At this time, a travel route search is performed, for example, as shown in Figure 13. Once a travel route is found, the process proceeds to step 101, where the searched travel route and the destination of the autonomous taxi 5 (station E in Figure 13) are stored in the memory 13 of the electronic control unit 10.

[0055] Next, in step 102, a search is performed for a travel route that minimizes the travel distance on the line experiencing delays, based on the current railway delay information. At this time, for example, a travel route like the one shown in Figure 14 is searched. Also, at this time, a travel route like the one shown in Figure 15 is searched for, which is the case where the travel distance on the line experiencing delays is the shortest, i.e., the travel distance is zero. Once a travel route is found, the process proceeds to step 103, where the searched travel route and the destination of the autonomous taxi 5 (station B in Figure 14, station A in Figure 15) are stored in the memory 13 of the electronic control unit 10. Next, the process proceeds to step 92 in Figure 20.

[0056] Returning to Figures 19 and 20, if it is determined in step 85 that the delay flag is not set and the congestion flag has not been reset, the process proceeds to step 87. In step 87, it is determined whether the delay flag has been reset and whether the congestion flag has been set. If it is determined that the delay flag has been reset and the congestion flag has been set, that is, if there is no railway delay but there is traffic congestion, the process proceeds to step 88, where a regeneration process for a travel route that mitigates the effects of traffic congestion is performed. This regeneration process for a travel route that mitigates the effects of traffic congestion is shown in Figure 22.

[0057] Referring to Figure 22, in step 110, based on current road traffic congestion information, a search is performed for a travel route that avoids congested roads and leads to a destination different from the destination of the autonomous taxi 5 on the user's desired travel route. At this time, for example, travel routes such as those shown in Figure 16 and Figure 18 are searched. Once a travel route is found, the process proceeds to step 111, where the searched travel route and the destination of the autonomous taxi 5 (station B in Figure 16, station E in Figure 18) are stored in the memory 13 of the electronic control unit 10.

[0058] Next, in step 112, based on road traffic congestion information, a search is performed for a travel route that heads to a destination different from the destination of the autonomous taxi 5 on the user's desired travel route, so as to shorten the travel distance on congested roads. At this time, for example, a travel route like the one shown in Figure 17 is searched. Once a travel route is searched, the process proceeds to step 113, where the searched travel route and the destination of the autonomous taxi 5 (station D in Figure 17) are stored in the memory 13 of the electronic control unit 10. Next, the process proceeds to step 92 in Figure 20.

[0059] Returning to Figures 19 and 20, if it is determined in step 87 that the delay flag has not been reset and the congestion flag has not been set, the process proceeds to step 89. In step 89, it is determined whether the delay flag and the congestion flag have been set. If it is determined that the delay flag and the congestion flag have been set, that is, if there is a railway delay and traffic congestion, the process proceeds to step 90, where a regeneration process of the travel route to mitigate the effects of the railway delay and traffic congestion is performed. This regeneration process of the travel route to mitigate the effects of the railway delay and traffic congestion is shown in Figures 23 and 24.

[0060] Referring to Figures 23 and 24, in step 120, based on current railway delay information and road traffic congestion information, a search is performed for a travel route that uses a different route from the one experiencing delays and avoids congested roads. At this time, for example, a travel route like those shown in Figures 13 and 18 is searched. Once a travel route is found, the process proceeds to step 121, where the searched travel route and the destination of the autonomous taxi 5 (station E in Figures 13 and 18) are stored in the memory 13 of the electronic control unit 10.

[0061] Next, in step 122, based on current railway delay information and road traffic congestion information, a search is performed for a travel route that avoids congested roads and shortens the travel distance on the delayed line. At this time, for example, travel routes such as those shown in Figures 14 and 16 and Figure 15 are searched. Once a travel route is found, the process proceeds to step 123, where the searched travel route and the destination of the autonomous taxi 5 (station B in Figures 14 and 16, and station A in Figure 15) are stored in the memory 13 of the electronic control unit 10.

[0062] Next, in step 124, based on current railway delay information and road traffic congestion information, a search is performed for a travel route that uses a different route from the one experiencing delays, so as to shorten the travel distance on congested roads. If a suitable travel route exists, that route is searched for. Once a travel route is found, the process proceeds to step 125, where the searched travel route and the destination of the autonomous taxi 5 are stored in the memory 13 of the electronic control unit 10.

[0063] Next, in step 126, a search is performed for a travel route that minimizes travel distance on congested roads and minimizes travel distance on lines experiencing delays, based on current railway delay information and road traffic congestion information. If a suitable travel route exists, it is searched for. Once a travel route is found, the process proceeds to step 127, where the searched travel route and the destination of the autonomous taxi 5 are stored in the memory 13 of the electronic control unit 10. The process then proceeds to step 92 in Figure 20.

[0064] Returning to Figures 19 and 20, if in step 89 it is determined that the delay flag is not set and the congestion flag is not set, that is, if there is no railway delay and no traffic congestion, then the process proceeds to step 91, and the travel route remains unchanged. Next, the process proceeds to step 92. In step 92, all travel routes and the destination of the autonomous taxi 5, which were searched in steps 100 and 102 (Figure 21), steps 110 and 112 (Figure 22), and steps 120, 122, 124 and 126 (Figures 23 and 24), are transmitted to the autonomous taxi 5.

[0065] Figures 25 to 27 show the driving control routines for the autonomous taxi 5 that are selected for dispatch and executed in the electronic control unit 23 of the autonomous taxi 5 in order to perform the processes shown in (12) to (19) in the flow of Figure 6, excluding (16). These routines are executed repeatedly. Referring to Figures 25 to 27, first, in step 200, it is determined whether or not a dispatch instruction has been received from the dispatch management server 4. If it is determined that no dispatch instruction has been received from the dispatch management server 4, the processing cycle ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that a dispatch instruction has been received from the dispatch management server 4, the process proceeds to step 201, where the received data, such as the user's desired travel route, information on railways where transfers are planned on the user's desired travel route, the desired boarding location of the autonomous taxi 5, the desired boarding time and desired alighting location, and the user ID, is stored in the memory 26 of the electronic control unit 23.

[0066] Next, in step 202, the user's desired pick-up location is read from memory 26. Then, in step 203, based on the current location of the autonomous taxi 5 acquired by the GNSS receiver 29 and the user's desired pick-up location read from memory 26, the navigation device 31 creates a route for the autonomous taxi 5 from its current location to the user's desired pick-up location. Next, in step 204, based on the detection results of sensors such as cameras, LiDAR, and radar that photograph the area in front of the autonomous taxi 5, the driving trajectory and speed of the autonomous taxi 5 are determined to avoid contact with other vehicles and pedestrians. Then, in step 205, the driving control of the autonomous taxi 5 is performed according to the determined driving trajectory and speed.

[0067] Next, in step 206, it is determined whether or not the autonomous taxi 5 has reached the user's desired pick-up location. If it is determined that the autonomous taxi 5 has not reached the user's desired pick-up location, the process returns to step 204, and autonomous driving of the autonomous taxi 5 continues. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 206 that the autonomous taxi 5 has reached the user's desired pick-up location, the process proceeds to step 207, and the autonomous taxi 5 is stopped. Next, in step 208, a request for information on a new travel route is sent to the information processing server 3. When the information processing server 3 receives this request for information on a new travel route, as described above, the information processing server 3 searches for a new travel route that will mitigate the effects of either or both of the railway delay and traffic congestion using information processing 2 shown in Figures 19 to 24. Once the search process is complete, all the searched travel routes and the destination of the autonomous taxi 5 are sent from the information processing server 3 to the autonomous taxi 5.

[0068] In step 209, the system waits for the information processing server 3 to receive the search results, i.e., all the searched travel routes and the destinations of the autonomous taxi 5. Once the search results are received from the information processing server 3, the system proceeds to step 210, where the search results received from the information processing server 3, i.e., all the searched travel routes and the destinations of the autonomous taxi 5, are stored in the memory 26 of the autonomous taxi 5. The system then proceeds to step 211. In this embodiment of the present invention, the system obtains the search results, i.e., all the searched travel routes and the destinations of the autonomous taxi 5, from the information processing server 3 when the autonomous taxi 5 reaches the user's desired pick-up location and stops. However, it is also possible to configure the system to obtain the search results, i.e., all the searched travel routes and the destinations of the autonomous taxi 5, from the information processing server 3 before the autonomous taxi 5 reaches the user's desired pick-up location, or after the autonomous taxi 5 reaches the user's desired pick-up location and the user boards the autonomous taxi 5.

[0069] In step 211, user authentication is performed between the user's terminal 6, which made the ride reservation, and the autonomous taxi 5 using short-range communication. This authentication is performed, for example, by comparing the user ID stored in the memory 26 of the autonomous taxi 5 at the time of the ride request with the user ID stored in the terminal 6 of the user who made the ride request. When these user IDs match, the user holding terminal 6 is authenticated as the user who made the ride request. Various known authentication methods, such as facial recognition, are known for user authentication, and these known authentication methods can also be used for the authentication process in step 211.

[0070] Next, in step 212, it is determined whether the user holding terminal 6 was authenticated as the user who requested the ride during the authentication process in step 211. If the user holding terminal 6 is not authenticated as the user who requested the ride during the authentication process, the process jumps to step 228, where the dispatch management server 4 is instructed to provide instructions for the next action. At this point, the autonomous taxi 5 is, for example, made to move autonomously towards the desired pick-up location of another user who requested the ride. On the other hand, if the user holding terminal 6 is authenticated as the user who requested the ride during the authentication process, the process proceeds to step 213, where the doors of the autonomous taxi 5 are opened. Once the doors of the autonomous taxi 5 are opened, the user who requested the ride, or several people including the user who requested the ride, board the autonomous taxi 5.

[0071] Next, in step 214, a boarding confirmation process is performed to confirm that the user who requested the ride, or several other passengers including the user who requested the ride, have boarded the autonomous taxi 5. This boarding confirmation process is performed by a boarding confirmation device installed inside the autonomous taxi 5, for example, by analyzing the video from a boarding confirmation camera that films the interior of the vehicle. Next, in step 215, it is determined whether or not the boarding of the user who requested the ride, or several other passengers including the user who requested the ride, has been confirmed to have boarded the autonomous taxi 5. If it is determined that boarding has not been confirmed, the process returns to step 214 and the boarding confirmation process continues. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 205 that boarding has been confirmed, the process proceeds to step 616.

[0072] In step 216, the doors of the autonomous taxi 5 are closed. Once the doors of the autonomous taxi 5 are closed, the process proceeds to step 217, where the search results received from the information processing server 3, i.e., all searched travel routes and the destinations of the autonomous taxi 5, are presented to the passenger, such as the user. For example, the search results received from the information processing server 3, i.e., all searched travel routes and the destinations of the autonomous taxi 5, are displayed on the display screen of the display device 32. In this case, the search results can be displayed on the display screen of the display device 32 in various forms. For example, the travel routes and the destinations of the autonomous taxi 5 can be displayed on the display screen of the display device 32 in the form of a list. Alternatively, a map as shown in Figure 11 can be displayed on the display screen of the display device 32, and multiple new travel routes as shown in Figures 12 to 18 can be displayed on the displayed map in different colors, along with the destinations of the autonomous taxi 5 in association with the travel routes.

[0073] Once all searched travel routes and the destinations of the autonomous taxi 5 are presented to the passenger, such as the user, the process proceeds to step 218, where the passenger selects a desired travel route from among the presented routes. Once a travel route is selected, the process proceeds to step 219, where the passenger sets a desired drop-off location at the destination of the autonomous taxi 5 along the selected travel route. The selected travel route and the set desired drop-off location are stored in the memory 26 of the autonomous taxi 5. In this embodiment of the present invention, multiple travel routes are presented to the passenger, such as the user, but it is also possible to configure the system so that a single travel route is automatically selected in the information processing server 3 or within the autonomous taxi 5, and that the selected travel route is presented to the passenger. When the information processing server 3 determines that there is no change in the travel route, a message indicating that there is no change in the travel route is displayed, for example, on the display screen of the display device 32.

[0074] Next, in step 220, a request is made to start the autonomous taxi 5. This request is made, for example, by the passenger touching the start button displayed on the display screen of the display device 32 inside the autonomous taxi 5. Once the request to start the autonomous taxi 5 is made, the process proceeds to step 221, where the user's desired drop-off location is read from the memory 26. Next, in step 222, the navigation device 31 creates a route for the autonomous taxi 5 from its current location to the user's desired drop-off location, based on the current location of the autonomous taxi 5 acquired by the GNSS receiver 29 and the user's desired drop-off location read from the memory 26.

[0075] Next, in step 223, the driving trajectory and speed of the autonomous taxi 5 are determined based on the detection results of sensors such as cameras, LiDAR, and radar that photograph the area in front of the autonomous taxi 5, ensuring that it does not come into contact with other vehicles or pedestrians. Next, in step 224, the driving control of the autonomous taxi 5 is performed according to the determined driving trajectory and speed. Next, in step 225, it is determined whether or not the autonomous taxi 5 has reached the user's desired drop-off location. If it is determined that the autonomous taxi 5 has not reached the user's desired drop-off location, the process returns to step 223, and the autonomous driving of the autonomous taxi 5 continues. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 225 that the autonomous taxi 5 has reached the user's desired drop-off location, the process proceeds to step 226, and the autonomous taxi 5 is brought to a stop.

[0076] Next, in step 227, a disembarkation confirmation process is performed to confirm that the user, or several people including the user, have disembarked from the autonomous taxi 5. This disembarkation confirmation process is performed by an disembarkation confirmation device installed inside the autonomous taxi 5, for example, by analyzing the video from a disembarkation confirmation camera that films the interior of the vehicle. Once disembarkation is confirmed, the doors of the autonomous taxi 5 are closed. Next, in step 228, instructions for the next action are requested from the dispatch management server 4.

[0077] Thus, in the embodiment of the present invention, when the autonomous driving taxi 5 sends a request for information on a new travel route to the information processing server 3, the information processing server 3 searches for a new travel route that mitigates the effects of either or both delays and / or congestion. Once the search process is complete, all the searched travel routes and the destination of the autonomous driving taxi 5 are transmitted from the information processing server 3 to the autonomous driving taxi 5. Therefore, in the embodiment of the present invention, the information processing server 3 comprises a receiving unit that receives the autonomous driving taxi 5's request for information on a new travel route, a travel route search unit that searches for a new travel route that mitigates the effects of either or both railway delays and / or traffic congestion, and a search result transmission unit that transmits the search results for the new travel route. The autonomous driving taxi 5 is equipped with a travel route re-search result acquisition unit 45, as shown in Figure 5, in order to send a request for information on a new travel route and receive the search results for the new travel route.

[0078] As described above, the embodiment of the present invention includes one or more processors, which set the point where passengers disembark from the vehicle to transfer to a scheduled public transport as the vehicle's destination, acquire delay information indicating the occurrence of delays in the scheduled public transport or events that cause delays in the vehicle's movement toward the destination, and change the vehicle's destination based on the delay information.

[0079] Furthermore, an embodiment of the present invention provides an information processing method that performs information processing using one or more processors, characterized in that the point where passengers of a vehicle disembark to transfer from the vehicle to a scheduled public transport is set as the destination of the vehicle, delay information is obtained indicating the occurrence of a delay in the scheduled public transport or an event that causes a delay in the movement of the vehicle toward the destination, and the destination of the vehicle is changed based on the delay information. Furthermore, an embodiment of the present invention provides a program that sets the point where passengers disembark from a vehicle to transfer to a scheduled public transport as the vehicle's destination, and causes a computer to function to acquire delay information indicating the occurrence of delays in the scheduled public transport or events that cause delays in the vehicle's movement toward the destination, and changes the vehicle's destination based on the delay information.

[0080] Furthermore, in the embodiment according to the present invention, the above-mentioned delay information is first information relating to the fact that the operation of a scheduled transportation service is delayed compared to the timetable. When the delay information is this first information, the vehicle's destination is changed so as not to use the route of the scheduled transportation service that is experiencing the delay. Also, when the delay information is the first information, the vehicle's destination is changed so that the distance traveled on the route of the scheduled transportation service that is experiencing the delay is shortened. Moreover, when the delay information is the first information, the vehicle's destination is changed to an available departure / arrival point on a route other than the route of the scheduled transportation service that is experiencing the delay.

[0081] Furthermore, in the embodiment according to the present invention, the above-mentioned delay information is second information relating to traffic congestion on the road on which the vehicle is traveling toward its destination. When the delay information is second information, the vehicle's destination is changed so as not to use the road where traffic congestion is occurring. Also, when the delay information is second information, the vehicle's destination is changed so as to shorten the distance traveled on the road where traffic congestion is occurring. Also, when the delay information is second information, the vehicle's destination is changed to an available departure / arrival point on a route other than the route of the scheduled public transport to which the vehicle is scheduled to transfer.

[0082] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, permission from the vehicle's passengers is required before changing the vehicle's destination. However, in this case, it is also possible to change the vehicle's destination without obtaining permission from the vehicle's passengers. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0083] 1. Communication Network 3. Information Processing Server 4. Dispatch management server 5. Self-driving taxis 6 terminals 10, 15, 23 Electronic control units 32 Display device

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising one or more processors, The one or more processors described above are: The destination of the vehicle is set as the point where passengers disembark to transfer from the vehicle to a regularly scheduled mode of transport. Obtain delay information indicating the occurrence of delays in the aforementioned scheduled transportation services, The aforementioned delay information is information regarding delays in the operation of the scheduled transportation service compared to the timetable. An information processing device characterized by changing the destination of the vehicle based on the delay information so as not to use the route of the scheduled public transport that is experiencing the delay.

2. An information processing device comprising one or more processors, The one or more processors described above are: The destination of the vehicle is set as the point where passengers disembark to transfer from the vehicle to a regularly scheduled mode of transport. Obtain delay information indicating the occurrence of delays in the aforementioned scheduled transportation services, The aforementioned delay information is information regarding delays in the operation of the scheduled transportation service compared to the timetable. An information processing device characterized by changing the destination of the vehicle to an available departure / arrival point on a route other than the route of the scheduled transportation service where the delay is occurring, based on the aforementioned delay information.

3. An information processing device comprising one or more processors, The one or more processors described above are: The destination of the vehicle is set as the point where passengers disembark to transfer from the vehicle to a regularly scheduled mode of transport. Delay information is obtained indicating the occurrence of an event that causes a delay in the movement of a vehicle heading toward the aforementioned destination. The aforementioned delay information is information regarding traffic congestion on the road on which the vehicle is traveling toward the destination. An information processing device characterized by changing the destination of the vehicle based on the aforementioned delay information so that the distance traveled on the road where the traffic congestion is occurring is shortened.

4. An information processing device comprising one or more processors, The one or more processors described above are: The destination of the vehicle is set as the point where passengers disembark to transfer from the vehicle to a regularly scheduled mode of transport. Delay information is obtained indicating the occurrence of an event that causes a delay in the movement of a vehicle heading toward the aforementioned destination. The aforementioned delay information is information regarding traffic congestion on the road on which the vehicle is traveling toward the destination. An information processing device characterized by changing the destination of the vehicle to an available departure / arrival point on a route other than the route of the scheduled transportation service to which the vehicle is scheduled to transfer, based on the aforementioned delay information.

5. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which seeks permission from the passengers of the vehicle before changing the destination of the vehicle.

6. An information processing method that performs information processing using one or more processors, The destination of the vehicle is set as the point where passengers disembark to transfer from the vehicle to a regularly scheduled mode of transport. Obtain delay information indicating the occurrence of delays in the aforementioned scheduled transportation services, The aforementioned delay information is information regarding delays in the operation of the scheduled transportation service compared to the timetable. An information processing method characterized by changing the destination of the vehicle based on the delay information so as not to use the route of the scheduled public transport that is experiencing the delay.

7. A program that causes a computer to function in such a way as to set the point where passengers disembark from a vehicle to transfer to a regularly scheduled mode of transport as the destination of the vehicle, and to acquire delay information indicating that a delay has occurred in the regularly scheduled mode of transport, The aforementioned delay information is information regarding delays in the operation of the scheduled transportation service compared to the timetable. A program that, based on the aforementioned delay information, changes the destination of the vehicle so as not to use the route of the scheduled public transport that is experiencing the delay.

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