Road structure, ride-hailing system, and urban structure

JP2026142751APending Publication Date: 2026-09-08SOFTBANK GROUP CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2025029921
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-02-27
Publication Date
2026-09-08

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  • Figure 2026142751000001_ABST
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Abstract

It is desirable to reduce the time it takes for people to travel between areas. [Solution] The road structure comprises a first road in which the direction of vehicle travel is restricted to a certain direction, and a second road enclosing a human living area in which the direction of vehicle travel is restricted to a certain direction. The first road and the second road are connected so that vehicles can move between the first road and the second road by changing lanes. The dispatch system comprises the above road structure and a server that deploys autonomous vehicles to the road structure based on predictions of passenger transport demand around the road structure. The urban structure comprises the above road structure.
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a road structure, a vehicle dispatching system, and an urban structure. [Background Art]

[0002] A community-based intermodal transportation system is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). A metropolitan city structure is known in which underground urban tunnels covering transportation systems are arranged radially from an energy center to a plurality of surrounding super high-rise cities and annularly between each super high-rise city (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese National Publication of International Patent Application No. 2008-530695 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 10-246005 [Summary of the Invention] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] It is desired to reduce the time required for humans to move between areas. [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a road structure is provided. The road structure includes a first road in which the traveling direction of vehicles is restricted to a fixed direction. The road structure includes a second road that surrounds human living areas and in which the traveling direction of vehicles is restricted to a fixed direction. The first road and the second road are connected such that vehicles can move between the first road and the second road by lane changing.

[0006] The road structure may include one or more third roads that enclose one or more areas where people live, and in which the direction of vehicle travel is restricted to a certain direction. The first road and each of the one or more third roads may be connected in such a way that vehicles can move between the first road and each of the one or more third roads by changing lanes.

[0007] The first road may be constructed to surround an area of ​​human activity.

[0008] The second road may have a first lane for vehicles to travel in. The second road may also have a second lane located outside the first lane. The second lane may be a lane for vehicles to travel at a higher speed than the first lane.

[0009] The first road may be located outside the second road. The first road and the second road may be connected in such a way that vehicles can move between the second lane of the first road and the second lane of the second road by changing lanes.

[0010] The second road may include a section that runs parallel to the first road.

[0011] The first road may be a road designed for vehicles to travel at a higher speed than the second road.

[0012] The road structure may include a first road and a second road as the first road structure, and may also include a second road structure. The road structure may include a connecting road that connects the first road structure and the second road structure. The second road structure may include a fourth road in which the direction of vehicle travel is restricted to a certain direction, and a fifth road that encloses a human living area and in which the direction of vehicle travel is restricted to a certain direction. The fourth road and the fifth road may be connected so that vehicles can move between the fourth road and the fifth road by changing lanes. The connecting road may connect the first road and the fourth road.

[0013] The connecting road and the first road may be connected in such a way that vehicles can move from the first road to the connecting road by changing lanes. The connecting road and the fourth road may be connected in such a way that vehicles can move from the connecting road to the fourth road by changing lanes.

[0014] The vehicle is an autonomous vehicle equipped with an autonomous driving function, and the first road and the second road may be roads exclusively for autonomous vehicles.

[0015] In the second embodiment, a dispatch system is provided. The dispatch system may include the above-mentioned road structure and a server that deploys autonomous vehicles to the road structure based on predictions of passenger transport demand around the road structure.

[0016] In the third form, an urban structure is provided. The urban structure includes the road structure described above.

[0017] It should be noted that the above summary of the invention does not enumerate all the necessary features of the present invention. Furthermore, subcombinations of these features may also constitute an invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This illustrates the overall concept of System 10. [Figure 2] A schematic representation of road structure 100 is shown. [Figure 3] The connection point between main road 110 and branch road 120 is schematically shown. [Figure 4] The connection structure between the connecting road 140 and the main road 110 is schematically shown. [Figure 5] This diagram schematically shows, in elevation view, how delivery vehicles 92 deliver goods to apartment buildings 80. [Figure 6] The layout of dwelling unit 82 and horizontal lane 501 is schematically shown in plan view. [Figure 7] A schematic representation of the 700-size delivery box is shown. [Figure 8] This shows an example of the data structure of delivery information managed by server 40. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing a flow of delivery processing executed in system 10. [Figure 10] Schematically shows an example of the hardware configuration of a computer 1200. Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described through embodiments of the invention. However, the following embodiments do not limit the invention claimed in the scope of patent claims. Furthermore, not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0020] Figure 1 shows the overall concept of system 10. System 10 comprises a server 40, an urban structure 12, a taxi 90, and a delivery vehicle 92. The urban structure 12 comprises a plurality of apartment complexes 80, a logistics base 84, a public facility 86, and a road structure 100. The public facility 86 is a large-scale commercial facility, a government office facility, a waste disposal plant, or the like.

[0021] The road structure 100 is a road exclusively for autonomous driving. The road structure 100 comprises a main road 110, a branch road 120, and a connecting road 140. The taxi 90 is an autonomous driving vehicle for passenger transportation. The delivery vehicle 92 is an autonomous driving vehicle for cargo transportation. The logistics base 84 includes logistics warehouses, delivery food manufacturing facilities, and the like.

[0022] The main road 110 is an autonomous driving vehicle exclusive road for high-speed travel. The main road 110 is, for example, a road whose reference speed is regulated to 200 km / h. The branch road 120 is an autonomous driving vehicle exclusive road for medium-low speed travel. The branch road 120 comprises, for example, a lane whose reference speed is regulated to 100 km / h and a lane whose reference speed is regulated to 30 km / h. The apartment complexes 80 are provided in a living area 21 surrounded by the branch road 120.

[0023] Living area 21 is, for example, an area for people to live in. Living area 21 is, for example, an area where people reside. Small shops may exist in living area 21. Public facilities 86 are located within public facilities area 20 surrounded by main roads 110. Public facilities area 20 is, in principle, an area where people do not reside. As will be described later, the road structure 100 does not have intersections or traffic lights. As will be described later, the road structure 100 is designed so that taxis 90 and delivery vehicles 92 can move between main roads 110 and branch roads 120 by changing lanes.

[0024] Server 40 manages transportation and delivery services provided to residents of the apartment building 80. For example, Server 40 uses AI to predict the demand for taxis in the urban structure 12 and deploys taxis 90 according to the demand. When Server 40 receives a request for a taxi from a resident of the apartment building 80, it dispatches a taxi 90 to the resident's vicinity.

[0025] Furthermore, server 40 manages the transportation of deliveries by delivery vehicles 92 from logistics hub 84 to apartment complex 80. Server 40 loads deliveries addressed to residents of apartment complex 80 onto delivery vehicles 92 at logistics hub 84 and delivers them to apartment complex 80 via delivery vehicles 92. For example, when server 40 receives a request for delivery food from a resident of apartment complex 80, it loads the delivery food manufactured at the delivery food manufacturing facility at logistics hub 84 onto delivery vehicles 92 and delivers the delivery food to apartment complex 80 via delivery vehicles 92. Also, when a package addressed to a resident of apartment complex 80 arrives at the logistics warehouse at logistics hub 84, server 40 loads the package onto delivery vehicles 92 and delivers the package to apartment complex 80 via delivery vehicles 92. As will be described later, apartment complex 80 is equipped with an automated transport lane for automatically delivering delivered items such as delivery food and packages to each dwelling unit. This allows for the automatic delivery of packages from logistics hub 84 to each dwelling unit.

[0026] According to the road structure 100, the time it takes for residents of the apartment complex 80 to travel between living areas and public facilities areas, or between multiple living areas, can be reduced. In addition, deliveries can be delivered from the logistics center 84 to the apartments of residents in the apartment complex 80 in a short amount of time.

[0027] Figure 2 schematically shows the road structure 100. The road structure 100 comprises main roads 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, and 110e, and connecting roads 140ab, 140ae, 140ad, 140bc, 140be, 140ce, 140cd, and 140de. In the following description, main roads 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, and 110e may be collectively referred to as "main road 110".

[0028] The road structure 100 includes branch roads 120a-1, 120a-2, 120a-3, 120a-4, and 120a-5, and branch roads 120b-1, 120b-2, 120b-3, 120b-4, and 120b-5, and branch roads 120c-1, 120c-2, and branch roads It comprises 120c-3, branch road 120c-4, and branch road 120c-5, branch road 120d-1, branch road 120d-2, branch road 120d-3, branch road 120d-4, and branch road 120d-5, and branch road 120e-1, branch road 120e-2, branch road 120e-3, branch road 120e-4, and branch road 120e-5.

[0029] Branch roads 120a-1, 120a-2, 120a-3, 120a-4, and 120a-5 connect to main road 110a. Branch roads 120b-1, 120b-2, 120b-3, 120b-4, and 120b-5 connect to main road 110b. Branch roads 120c-1, 120c-2, 120c-3, 120c-4, and 120c-5 connect to main road 110c. Branch roads 120d-1, 120d-2, 120d-3, 120d-4, and 120d-5 connect to main road 110d. Branch roads 120e-1, 120e-2, 120e-3, 120e-4, and 120e-5 connect to main road 110e. In the following explanation, branch roads 120a-1, 120a-2, 120a-3, 120a-4, and 120a-5 are referred to as branch roads 120b-1, 120b-2, 120b-3, 120b-4, and 120b-5, and branch roads 120c-1, 120c-2, 120c-3, and branch roads 120c-1, 120c-2, and 120c-3. Main road 120c-4 and branch road 120c-5, branch roads 120d-1, 120d-2, 120d-3, 120d-4, and 120d-5, and branch roads 120e-1, 120e-2, 120e-3, 120e-4, and 120e-5 may be collectively referred to as "branch road 120".

[0030] Main roads 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, and 110e are roads that enclose public facility areas 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, and 20e, respectively. A public facility area is an example of a human activity area. Thus, main roads 110 are closed roads. Main roads 110 are so-called ring roads. In this embodiment, main roads 110 are assumed to be closed roads, but a configuration in which main roads 110 are not closed roads may be adopted.

[0031] Each branch road 120 encloses a separate living area 21. Branch roads 120 are enclosed roads. Branch roads 120 are what are known as ring roads.

[0032] A main road 110 is a road in which the direction of vehicle travel is restricted to a certain direction. For example, a main road 110 is a road in which the direction of vehicle travel is restricted to a clockwise direction. A main road 110 is an example of a first type of road.

[0033] A branch road 120 is a road in which the direction of vehicle travel is restricted to a certain direction. For example, a branch road 120 is a road in which the direction of vehicle travel is restricted to counterclockwise. A branch road 120 is an example of a second road, a third road, or a fifth road.

[0034] As shown by the travel route 200 in Figure 2, vehicles such as taxis 90 and delivery vehicles 92 can, for example, travel from main road 110e to main road 110a via connecting road 140ae, travel clockwise along main road 110a to branch road 120a-1, travel counterclockwise along branch road 120a-1 to main road 110a, and then travel clockwise again along main road 110a.

[0035] The main road 110 and the branch roads 120 are connected in such a way that vehicles can move between them by changing lanes. Multiple branch roads 120 are provided for each main road 110, and each of the main roads 110 and the multiple main roads 110 provided for it are connected in such a way that vehicles can move between the main road 110 and each of the multiple branch roads 120 by changing lanes. A specific example of the connection structure between the main roads 110 and the branch roads 120 will be explained in relation to Figure 3.

[0036] Figure 3 schematically shows the connection point between the main road 110 and the branch road 120. The main road 110 is a one-way, single-lane road. The main road 110 is, for example, a road with a speed limit of 200 km / h.

[0037] The branch road 120 is a one-way, multi-lane road. Specifically, the branch road 120 comprises a low-speed lane 121 and a medium-speed lane 122. The low-speed lane 121 and the medium-speed lane 122 are lanes in which the direction of vehicle travel is restricted to a certain direction. In the low-speed lane 121 and the medium-speed lane 122, the direction of vehicle travel is restricted to the same direction. The low-speed lane 121 is an example of a first lane, and the medium-speed lane 122 is an example of a second lane.

[0038] The low-speed lane 121 is a lane where the standard speed is restricted to 30 km / h. For example, the low-speed lane 121 is a lane where the maximum speed is restricted to 30 km / h. The medium-speed lane 122 is a lane where the standard speed is restricted to 100 km / h. For example, the medium-speed lane 122 is a lane where the maximum speed is restricted to 100 km / h. Thus, the medium-speed lane 122 is a lane for vehicles to travel at a higher speed than the low-speed lane 121. Also, the main road 110 is a road for vehicles to travel at a higher speed than the medium-speed lane 122.

[0039] Main road 110 is located outside of branch road 120. Main road 110 and branch road 120 are connected in such a way that vehicles can move between main road 110 and medium-speed lane 122 by changing lanes.

[0040] The branch road 120 includes a section 300 that runs parallel to the main road 110. Specifically, the medium-speed lane 122 includes a section 300 that runs parallel to the main road 110. Section 300 is the section where the main road 110 and the branch road 120 meet. In section 300, the direction of travel of vehicles restricted in the medium-speed lane 122 and the direction of travel of vehicles restricted in the main road 110 are the same. Therefore, in section 300, vehicles can move from the main road 110 to the medium-speed lane 122 by changing lanes. Also, in section 300, vehicles can move from the medium-speed lane 122 to the main road 110 by changing lanes.

[0041] The movement trajectory 390 in Figure 3 is the movement trajectory of taxi 90. Taxi 90, using autonomous driving, changes lanes from the main road 110 to the medium-speed lane 122 and enters the branch road 120. When taxi 90 approaches person 310 who requested a ride from server 40, it moves from the medium-speed lane 122 to the low-speed lane 121 and stops next to person 310. Once person 310 gets into taxi 90, taxi 90 starts from the low-speed lane 121, changes lanes to the medium-speed lane 122, and travels along the branch road 120. Then, in section 300, taxi 90 changes lanes to move back to the main road 110.

[0042] Figure 4 schematically shows the connection structure between connecting road 140 and main road 110. Specifically, Figure 4 schematically shows the connection structure between connecting road 140ae and main road 110a. Connecting road 140ae is a road that connects main road 110a and main road 110e.

[0043] Road 140ae comprises lane 141 and lane 142. As shown in vehicle movement path 491, lane 141 and main road 110a are connected in such a way that a vehicle can move from lane 141 to main road 110a by changing lanes. Also, as shown in vehicle movement path 492, lane 142 and main road 110a are connected in such a way that a vehicle can move from main road 110a to lane 142 by changing lanes.

[0044] Thus, the connecting road 140ae and the main road 110a are connected in such a way that vehicles can move from the connecting road 140ae to the main road 110a by changing lanes. Furthermore, the connecting road 140ae and the main road 110a are connected in such a way that vehicles can move from the main road 110a to the connecting road 140ae by changing lanes.

[0045] Similarly, the connection structure between the connecting road 140ae and the main road 110e is such that lane 141 and the main road 110e are connected in such a way that vehicles can move from the main road 110e to lane 141 by changing lanes. In addition, lane 142 and the main road 110e are connected in such a way that vehicles can move from lane 142 to the main road 110a by changing lanes.

[0046] In this way, vehicles can move between the main road 110a and the connecting road 140ae by changing lanes, and can also move between the main road 110e and the connecting road 140ae by changing lanes. Note that lanes 141 and 142 may be provided as separate roads. Also, the connecting road 140ae may be omitted if one of lanes 141 or 142 is not provided, as needed.

[0047] As explained in relation to Figures 1 to 4, with respect to the main road 110, it is possible to move between the main road 110 and the connecting road 140, and between the main road 110 and the branch road 120, by changing lanes. Therefore, there is no need to install traffic signals for traffic control. In addition, since vehicles only need to travel in one direction on the main road 110 and the branch road 120, the algorithm for the automated driving control of the vehicles does not become complex. As a result, high-speed driving of vehicles becomes possible while maintaining safety.

[0048] In System 10, multiple types of taxis with different passenger capacities are used as taxis 90. Furthermore, any mobile vehicle capable of carrying passengers is acceptable, and it is not limited to taxis. In System 10, for example, all types of taxis and buses, from small to large, may be used, and taxis and buses with different passenger capacities, such as 1-seater, 2-seater, 4-seater, 8-seater, or 50-seater, may be used. Server 40 predicts the passenger transport demand around the road structure 100 and deploys taxis 90 to the road structure 100 based on the predicted passenger transport demand.

[0049] The living area 21 may be a circular area. Preferably, the size of the living area 21 is such that a person can walk from the center of the living area 21 to the slow-speed lane 121. For example, the living area 21 may be an area with a radius of approximately 600m to 800m, and this value may be changed as appropriate. In addition, the area occupied by one main road 110 and one branch road 120 connected to the main road 110 may be an area of ​​approximately 5km square.

[0050] In the configuration described above, the branch road 120 is located outside the main road 110, and the branch road 120 is arranged to substantially circumscribe the main road 110. However, a configuration in which the branch road 120 is located inside the main road 110, and the branch road 120 is arranged to substantially circumscribe the main road 110, may also be adopted.

[0051] Next, the delivery system for packages will be described in relation to Figures 5 to 9. Figure 5 schematically shows, in elevation view, how packages are delivered to the apartment building 80 by a delivery vehicle 92. The apartment building 80 comprises multiple dwelling units 82, a transport lane 500, a storage area 510, and a control device 540.

[0052] The transport lane 500 and the dwelling units 82 are located within the apartment building 80. The transport lane 500 includes a horizontal lane 501 and an elevator lane 502. The apartment building 80 is an example of a building. Each of the dwelling units 82 is provided with a luggage storage area 83. The apartment building 80 has multiple floors. Multiple dwelling units 82 are located on multiple floors within the apartment building 80.

[0053] The delivery vehicle 92 automatically transports the delivery items 94, destined for apartment 82 within the apartment complex 80, from the logistics hub 84 to the apartment complex 80. Upon arriving at the apartment complex 80, the delivery vehicle 92 sends the delivery items 94 to the horizontal lane 501. The delivery items 94 sent to the horizontal lane 501 are then delivered to the destination apartment 82 via the horizontal lane 501 and the lifting lane 502.

[0054] The horizontal lane 501 may be formed by, for example, a roller conveyor. The horizontal lane 501 may also be formed by a belt conveyor. The lifting lane 502 may be formed by, for example, a roller conveyor that is provided to be able to move up and down. The control device 540 delivers the delivered items 94 to the destination dwelling 82 by controlling the operation of the horizontal lane 501 and the lifting lane 502.

[0055] The control device 540 constitutes part of a delivery system for automatically delivering items 94 to dwelling units 82 via a transport lane 500. The control device 540 and the server 40 work together to function as a control unit in the delivery system.

[0056] The control device 540 moves the delivered item 94, which is being delivered via the transport lane 500, from the transport lane 500 to the package storage area 83 located at the destination dwelling unit 82 of the delivered item 94 when the delivered item 94 passes through the package storage area 83 located at the destination dwelling unit 82. The means for moving the delivered item 94 from the transport lane 500 to the package storage area 83 will be described later.

[0057] The storage facility 510 temporarily stores deliveries 94 addressed to dwelling units 82 within the apartment building 80. The control device 540 stores deliveries 94 in the storage facility 510 if it is not possible to place the deliveries 94 in the delivery area 83 of the dwelling unit 82 to which the deliveries 94 are addressed. When the deliveries 94 stored in the storage facility 510 become ready for delivery to the delivery area 83 of the dwelling unit 82 to which the deliveries 94 are addressed, the control device 540 moves the deliveries 94 from the storage facility 510 to the transport lane 500. For example, the control device 540 stores the deliveries 94 in the storage facility 510 while they are placed on a movable roller conveyor. When the control device 540 delivers a delivery item 94 stored in the storage area 510 to a dwelling unit 82, it may move the roller conveyor carrying the delivery item 94 to the vicinity of the horizontal lane 501, and send the delivery item 94 from the roller conveyor to the horizontal lane 501, thereby moving the delivery item 94 to the transport lane 500.

[0058] Before dispatching a delivery item 94 from a logistics hub 84 outside the apartment complex 80 to a dwelling unit 82 inside the apartment complex 80, the server 40 determines whether the delivery item 94 can be stored in the storage facility 510. If it determines that the delivery item 94 can be stored in the storage facility 510, the server 40 may dispatch the delivery item 94 from the logistics hub 84.

[0059] Furthermore, before dispatching a delivery item 94 from the logistics base 84 to a dwelling unit 82 within the apartment building 80, the server 40 may determine whether the delivery item 94 can be placed in a storage area 83 provided at the destination dwelling unit 82, and if it determines that the delivery item 94 can be stored in the storage area 83, it may dispatch the delivery item 94 from the logistics base 84. For example, before dispatching a delivery item 94 from the logistics base 84 to a dwelling unit 82 within the apartment building 80, the server 40 may determine whether the delivery item 94 can be placed in the storage area 83 based on the delivery status of other delivery items 94 addressed to that dwelling unit 82. Specifically, before dispatching a delivery item 94 from the logistics base 84 to a dwelling unit 82 within the apartment building 80, the server 40 may determine whether the delivery item 94 can be placed in the storage area 83 based on the delivery status of other delivery items 94 addressed to that dwelling unit 82 and the size of the storage area 83. For example, if the package storage area 83 only has space for one delivery item 94, and there are other delivery items 94 addressed to the same dwelling unit 82 that have not yet been received, it is possible to determine that the delivery item 94 cannot be placed in the package storage area 83. The package may be delivered as the delivery item 94 in a delivery box of a predetermined size. The server 40 may determine whether or not the delivery item 94 can be placed in the package storage area 83 based on the size of the delivery box and the size of the package storage area 83.

[0060] Before shipping a delivery item 94 from a logistics hub 84 outside the apartment building 80 to a dwelling unit 82 inside the apartment building 80, the server 40 may further determine whether the delivery item 94 can be held in the transport lane 500. If the server 40 determines that the delivery item 94 can be held in the transport lane 500, it may ship the delivery item 94 from the logistics hub 84. For example, the server 40 manages the number of delivery items 94 on the transport lane 500 of the apartment building 80, and may determine that the delivery item 94 can be held in the transport lane 500 if the number of delivery items 94 on the transport lane 500 is less than a predetermined number.

[0061] Before shipping a predetermined type of delivery item 94 from a logistics hub 84 outside the apartment building 80 to an apartment unit 82 in the apartment building 80, the server 40 may inquire with the resident of the apartment unit 82 whether or not they want the delivery item 94 delivered, and if it receives a delivery instruction from the resident, it may ship the delivery item 94 from the logistics hub 84. For example, if the type of delivery item 94 to apartment unit 82 is perishable goods, the server 40 may inquire with the resident of apartment unit 82 whether or not they want the delivery item 94 delivered. The server 40 may send the inquiry to the mobile terminal of the resident of apartment unit 82 and receive a delivery instruction from the resident's mobile terminal. Alternatively, the server 40 may send an inquiry to the home server of apartment unit 82 and receive a delivery instruction from the home server.

[0062] Figure 6 schematically shows the arrangement of the dwelling unit 82 and the horizontal lane 501 in a plan view. Dwelling unit 82 is provided with a luggage storage area 83a and a luggage storage area 83b. Luggage storage area 83a is a luggage storage area for deliveries 94a as packages. Luggage storage area 83a is also a shipping area for deliveries sent out from dwelling unit 82 as packages. Luggage storage area 83b is a waste storage area. The waste storage area is a storage area for waste as packages destined for a waste disposal plant.

[0063] Delivery item 94a will be delivered as a package, placed inside a predetermined delivery box. The delivery box will be described later.

[0064] The horizontal lane 501 includes horizontal transport lanes 601 and 602 that transport the delivered items 94 in opposite directions. The apartment building 80 is equipped with an extrusion device 660 at a location corresponding to the luggage storage area 83a of each dwelling unit 82 that pushes the delivered items 94a toward the luggage storage area 83a. The apartment building 80 is equipped with an extrusion device 680 at a location corresponding to the luggage storage area 83b of each dwelling unit 82 that pushes the delivery boxes toward the luggage storage area 83b.

[0065] When the delivery item 94a addressed to dwelling unit 82 reaches the delivery area 83a, the control device 540 opens the opening / closing door 620a between the delivery area 83a and the horizontal lane 501, and drives the pusher 660 to push the delivery item 94a toward the delivery area 83a. In this way, the control device 540 moves the delivery item 94a toward the delivery area 83a. Once the delivery item 94a has been pushed toward the delivery area 83a, the control device 540 closes the opening / closing door 620a.

[0066] Dwelling unit 82 is equipped with an opening / closing door 622a between the living space of dwelling unit 82 and the luggage storage area 83a for the resident to access the luggage storage area 83a. The resident opens the opening / closing door 622a and takes out luggage from the delivery box. When the control device 540 detects that luggage has been taken out of the delivery box, it moves the empty delivery box to the transport lane 500. For example, the control device 540 opens the opening / closing door 620a and drives the pusher 670 provided in the luggage storage area 83a to push the empty delivery box toward the horizontal lane 501. In this way, the control device 540 moves the delivery box to the transport lane 500. The control device 540 either stores the empty delivery box in the storage area 510 of the apartment building 80 or delivers it to the logistics base 84 by the delivery vehicle 92. The control device 540 may keep a predetermined number of empty delivery boxes on the transport lane 500 at all times.

[0067] When sending a package from dwelling unit 82, the resident places the package in a delivery box and sends it off. Specifically, based on the delivery request from the resident, the control device 540 moves an empty delivery box through the transport lane 500 to the package storage area 83a. The resident places the package in the empty delivery box and enters the destination of the package. For example, the resident may enter the destination via a mobile terminal and register the destination with the server 40 via the mobile terminal. Once the destination of the package is entered, the control device 540 moves the delivery box to the transport lane 500. For example, the control device 540 opens the opening / closing door 620a and drives the pusher 670 to push the delivery box toward the horizontal lane 501. In this way, the control device 540 moves the package from dwelling unit 82 to the transport lane 500. The delivery box, as a package from dwelling unit 82, is delivered by the delivery vehicle 92 to the logistics center 84, or delivered by the delivery vehicle 92 to dwelling unit 82 of another apartment building 80.

[0068] Next, we will explain the process of sending waste from apartment 82 to the waste disposal site. The waste is sent in a special waste delivery box. The waste disposal site is pre-set as the destination on the special waste delivery box.

[0069] When an empty waste-only delivery box reaches the loading area 83a, the control device 540 opens the door 620b between the loading area 83b and the horizontal lane 501, and drives the pusher 680 to push the empty delivery box toward the loading area 83b. In this way, the control device 540 moves the empty delivery box toward the loading area 83b. Once the empty delivery box has been pushed toward the loading area 83b, the control device 540 closes the door 620b.

[0070] Dwelling unit 82 is equipped with an opening and closing door 622b between the living space and the storage area 83b, allowing the resident to access the storage area 83b. The storage area 83b is located, for example, near the kitchen 650 of dwelling unit 82. The resident opens the opening and closing door 622b and places household waste and other waste into a designated waste delivery box.

[0071] When the control device 540 receives a waste collection request from a resident, it moves a waste-specific delivery box to the transport lane 500. For example, the control device 540 opens the opening / closing door 620b and drives the pusher 690 located in the luggage storage area 83b to push the waste-specific delivery box toward the horizontal lane 501. In this way, the control device 540 moves the luggage containing the waste to the transport lane 500. The delivery box containing the waste is then delivered by the delivery vehicle 92 to the waste disposal site located in the public facilities area 20.

[0072] Figure 7 schematically shows a delivery box 700. The delivery box 700 includes a controller 710. The controller 710 stores identification information for the delivery box 700. The controller 710 has a function to detect whether or not there is a package inside the delivery box 700. The controller 710 may detect whether or not there is a package inside the delivery box 700 by analyzing images acquired by a camera installed inside the delivery box 700.

[0073] Server 40 manages the location information of the delivery box 700 in real time. For example, controller 710 has a wireless communication function and transmits status information to server 40 via wireless communication, including the current location of the delivery box 700, identification information of the delivery box 700, and information indicating whether or not there is a package in the delivery box 700. Controller 710 may also have a function to transmit status information via short-range wireless communication. In this case, the home server of the dwelling unit 82 or the resident's mobile terminal, control device 540, or delivery vehicle 92 may forward the status information transmitted from the delivery box 700 to server 40.

[0074] When a resident of dwelling unit 82 places a package into a delivery box 700 and sends it, the resident enters the destination into their mobile terminal, and the controller 710 transmits the identification information of the delivery box 700 to the mobile terminal. The resident's mobile terminal sends a shipping request to the server 40, which includes the identification information of the delivery box 700, the destination, the type of package to be placed in the delivery box 700, and the resident's identification information. Upon receiving the shipping request, the server 40 manages the identification information of the delivery box 700 in association with the destination and the type of package, and instructs the control device 540 to ship the delivery box 700 from the package storage area 83a of dwelling unit 82 corresponding to the resident's identification information.

[0075] Next, we will describe the case where the delivery box 700 is a delivery box exclusively for waste. When a resident requests waste collection using a mobile terminal, the mobile terminal sends a waste collection instruction containing the resident's identification information to the server 40. Upon receiving the waste collection instruction, the server 40 instructs the control device 540 to dispatch the delivery box 700 from the storage area 83b of the dwelling unit 82 corresponding to the resident's identification information.

[0076] Figure 8 shows an example of the data structure of delivery information managed by server 40. Server 40 manages the delivery box ID, type, cargo type, destination, current location, and delivery status in an associated manner.

[0077] The "Delivery Box ID" is the identification information for delivery box 700. The "Type" indicates the type of delivery box 700. The "Type" indicates either "delivery package" or "waste." The "Cargo Type" indicates the type of package placed inside delivery box 700. If delivery box 700 is a delivery box exclusively for waste, "Waste" is pre-set as the fixed value for both "Type" and "Cargo Type."

[0078] If delivery box 700 is not a delivery box exclusively for waste, the "Type" field is pre-set to indicate "delivery item". Additionally, the "Cargo Type" field is set to "Perishable Goods", "Non-Perishable Goods", or "Delivery Food" depending on the type of goods placed inside delivery box 700. "Perishable Goods" indicates, for example, that the delivered goods require quality preservation measures such as refrigeration or freezing. "Non-Perishable Goods" indicates that the delivered goods do not require quality preservation measures such as refrigeration or freezing. "Delivery Food" indicates that the delivered goods are delivery food.

[0079] "Destination" is the identification information of the delivery destination of the delivery box 700. "Current location" is information indicating the current location of the delivery box 700. "Delivery status" is information indicating the delivery status of the delivery box 700. Server 40 registers the "Destination" based on the delivery request from the resident's mobile terminal. Server 40 also updates the "Current location" and "Delivery status" in real time based on the status information transmitted from the delivery box 700.

[0080] "Current location" includes geographical information such as latitude and longitude. In addition to geographical information, "current location" may also include logical information to identify the current location of the delivery box 700, such as identification information for the delivery vehicle 92, identification information for the apartment building 80, and identification information for the dwelling unit 82.

[0081] The delivery status includes information such as "Not shipped," "In transit," "Not received," "Received," "In storage," and "Unused." "Not shipped" indicates that delivery box 700 has not been shipped. "Not shipped" also indicates that delivery box 700 has not been shipped from logistics center 84, or that delivery box 700 has not been shipped from storage area 83 of dwelling unit 82.

[0082] "In transit" indicates the state in which the delivery box 700 is being transported from the logistics center 84 or parcel storage 83 until it is delivered to its destination, and is not being stored in the storage facility 510. "Not received" indicates the state in which the delivery box 700 is in the parcel storage 83 and contains parcels. "Received" indicates the state in which the delivery box 700 is in the parcel storage 83 and does not contain parcels. "In storage" indicates the state in which the delivery box 700 is being stored in the storage facility 510. "Unused" indicates the state in which the delivery box 700 is not being used for delivery. For example, "Unused" indicates the state in which the delivery box 700 is being stored empty in the storage facility 510 or logistics center 84, etc.

[0083] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the delivery process performed in system 10. The process in the flowchart in Figure 9 begins when a delivery addressed to dwelling unit 82 arrives at logistics center 84.

[0084] In S902, server 40 refers to the "shipping type" in the delivery information to determine the type of delivery item. If it determines that the type of delivery item is perishable goods, server 40 inquires with the resident in S930 whether it is perishable or not to ship the delivery item. For example, server 40 instructs a mobile terminal pre-registered for the delivery item's address to inquire whether it is perishable or not to ship the delivery item. Server 40 may also instruct the home server of the delivery item's address to inquire whether it is perishable or not to ship the delivery item.

[0085] Next, in S932, server 40 either dispatches the delivery or takes action to hold the delivery at logistics center 84, depending on the query result, and terminates the processing of this flowchart. If server 40 receives information indicating the delivery time in response to the query about whether or not to dispatch the delivery, it may schedule the dispatch time of the delivery so that the delivery arrives at the destination at the indicated delivery time, and dispatch the delivery according to the schedule. If server 40 does not receive information indicating the delivery time in response to the query about whether or not to dispatch the delivery, it may repeat the query at predetermined intervals.

[0086] If, in the determination in S902, it is determined that the type of delivery is a non-perishable item, then in S904, the server 40 obtains information on the capacity of the delivery at the destination. The capacity information includes information indicating whether or not it is possible to accommodate the new delivery in the luggage storage area 83 of the destination dwelling unit 82. The capacity information also includes information indicating whether or not it is possible to store the new delivery in the storage facility 510 of the destination apartment building 80. The capacity information may also include information indicating whether or not it is possible to hold the new delivery in the transport lane 500 of the destination apartment building 80.

[0087] In S906, if the server determines that the delivery can be received at the destination, in S908, the server 40 processes the delivery of the item. For example, the server 40 arranges for a delivery vehicle 92 to deliver the item, loads the item onto the delivery vehicle 92, and instructs the delivery vehicle 92 to depart. Once the delivery vehicle 92 departs, in S910, the server 40 notifies that the item has been dispatched. For example, the server 40 notifies the mobile terminal pre-registered for the delivery destination that the item has been dispatched. The server 40 also notifies the home server of the delivery destination that the item has been dispatched. Once the notification that the item has been dispatched is given, the processing in this flowchart ends.

[0088] If, in S906, the server 40 determines that the delivery item cannot be received at the destination, then in S920, the server 40 determines whether or not there is anyone at the destination dwelling. For example, the server 40 obtains location information of a mobile device that has been pre-registered for the destination of the delivery item, and determines whether or not there is anyone at the destination dwelling based on the obtained location information and the location information of the destination dwelling. The server 40 may determine whether or not there is anyone at the destination dwelling by querying the home server of the destination dwelling and receiving information from the home server indicating whether or not there is anyone at the destination dwelling.

[0089] If, in the judgment of S920, it is determined that there is someone at the destination dwelling, the server 40 proceeds to processing in S930. If, in the judgment of S920, it is determined that there is no one at the destination dwelling, the server 40 sets a query trigger in S922 to inquire whether it is permissible to send the package if a new person at the destination dwelling is detected, and then terminates the processing of this flowchart. When the server 40 sets a query trigger, it may instruct a mobile terminal that has been registered in advance for the destination of the delivery item to notify the server 40 when the location of the mobile terminal matches the location of the destination dwelling. The server 40 may also instruct the home server of the destination dwelling to notify the server 40 if a new person at the destination dwelling 82 is detected. When the server 40 receives a notification from the mobile terminal or the home server, it may perform the processing in S930 and S932 of the flowchart in Figure 9.

[0090] If S902 determines that the type of delivery item is "delivery food," server 40 proceeds to process S908.

[0091] As explained in relation to Figures 5 to 9, System 10 allows for the delivery of items in a short amount of time. Therefore, residents of the apartment building 80 can receive what they want, when they want it.

[0092] The luggage storage area 83 may be the space in front of the entrance of the dwelling unit 82. In addition, although the above description has described a configuration in which the transport lane 500 is formed by a conveyor belt, a configuration in which a delivery robot delivers the items by traveling along the delivery lane may also be adopted.

[0093] Figure 10 schematically shows an example of the hardware configuration of a computer 1200 that functions as a server 40 or a control device 540. A program installed on the computer 1200 can cause the computer 1200 to function as one or more "parts" of the apparatus according to this embodiment, or to cause the computer 1200 to execute operations associated with the apparatus according to this embodiment or such one or more "parts", and / or to cause the computer 1200 to execute a process or a stage of such process according to this embodiment. Such a program may be executed by the CPU 1212 to cause the computer 1200 to execute specific operations associated with some or all of the blocks in the flowcharts and block diagrams described herein.

[0094] The computer 1200 according to this embodiment includes a CPU 1212, RAM 1214, and a graphics controller 1216, which are interconnected by a host controller 1210. The computer 1200 also includes input / output units such as a communication interface 1222, a storage device 1224, a DVD drive 1226, and an IC card drive, which are connected to the host controller 1210 via an input / output controller 1220. The DVD drive 1226 may be a DVD-ROM drive and a DVD-RAM drive, etc. The storage device 1224 may be a hard disk drive and a solid-state drive, etc. The computer 1200 also includes legacy input / output units such as a ROM 1230 and a keyboard, which are connected to the input / output controller 1220 via an input / output chip 1240.

[0095] The CPU 1212 operates according to the programs stored in the ROM 1230 and RAM 1214, thereby controlling each unit. The graphics controller 1216 acquires the image data generated by the CPU 1212 and stores it in the frame buffer provided in RAM 1214 or within itself, so that the image data is displayed on the display device 1218.

[0096] The communication interface 1222 communicates with other electronic devices via a network. The storage device 1224 stores programs and data used by the CPU 1212 in the computer 1200. The DVD drive 1226 reads programs or data from a DVD-ROM 1227, etc., and provides them to the storage device 1224. The IC card drive reads programs and data from an IC card and / or writes programs and data to an IC card.

[0097] The ROM 1230 stores boot programs and / or hardware-dependent programs of the computer 1200, which are executed by the computer 1200 upon activation. The input / output chip 1240 may also connect various input / output units to the input / output controller 1220 via USB ports, parallel ports, serial ports, keyboard ports, mouse ports, etc.

[0098] The program is provided on a computer-readable storage medium such as a DVD-ROM 1227 or an IC card. The program is read from the computer-readable storage medium and installed on a storage device 1224, RAM 1214, or ROM 1230, which are examples of computer-readable storage media, and executed by the CPU 1212. The information processing described within these programs is read by the computer 1200, resulting in coordination between the program and the various types of hardware resources described above. The apparatus or method may be configured to realize the operation or processing of information in accordance with the use of the computer 1200.

[0099] For example, when communication is performed between a computer 1200 and an external device, the CPU 1212 may execute a communication program loaded into RAM 1214 and, based on the processing described in the communication program, instruct the communication interface 1222 to perform communication processing. Under the control of the CPU 1212, the communication interface 1222 reads transmission data stored in a transmission buffer area provided in a recording medium such as RAM 1214, storage device 1224, DVD-ROM 1227, or IC card, transmits the read transmission data to the network, or writes received data received from the network to a reception buffer area or the like provided on the recording medium.

[0100] Furthermore, the CPU 1212 may read all or necessary parts of files or databases stored on external recording media such as the storage device 1224, DVD drive 1226 (DVD-ROM 1227), or IC card into the RAM 1214, and perform various types of processing on the data in the RAM 1214. The CPU 1212 may then write the processed data back to the external recording media.

[0101] Various types of information, such as various types of programs, data, tables, and databases, may be stored on the recording medium and subjected to information processing. The CPU 1212 may perform various types of processing on the data read from RAM 1214, including various types of operations, information processing, conditional judgments, conditional branching, unconditional branching, information retrieval / replacement, etc., as described throughout this disclosure and specified by the program instruction sequence, and write the results back to RAM 1214. The CPU 1212 may also retrieve information in files, databases, etc., within the recording medium. For example, if multiple entries are stored in the recording medium, each having an attribute value of a first attribute associated with an attribute value of a second attribute, the CPU 1212 may search among the multiple entries for an entry that matches the specified condition for the attribute value of the first attribute, read the attribute value of the second attribute stored in that entry, and thereby obtain the attribute value of the second attribute associated with the first attribute that satisfies the predetermined condition.

[0102] The program or software module described above may be stored on or near the computer 1200 in a computer-readable storage medium. Alternatively, a recording medium such as a hard disk or RAM provided within a server system connected to a dedicated communication network or the Internet can be used as a computer-readable storage medium, thereby providing the program to the computer 1200 via the network.

[0103] In this embodiment, blocks in the flowchart and block diagram may represent a stage in a process in which an operation is performed or a "part" of a device that has the role of performing an operation. A particular stage and "part" may be implemented by a dedicated circuit, a programmable circuit supplied with computer-readable instructions stored on a computer-readable storage medium, and / or a processor supplied with computer-readable instructions stored on a computer-readable storage medium. The dedicated circuit may include digital and / or analog hardware circuits, and may include integrated circuits (ICs) and / or discrete circuits. The programmable circuit may include reconfigurable hardware circuits, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and programmable logic arrays (PLAs), which include logical AND, logical OR, exclusive OR, negated AND, negated OR, and other logical operations, flip-flops, registers, and memory elements.

[0104] A computer-readable storage medium may include any tangible device capable of storing instructions to be executed by a suitable device, and as a result, a computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored therein will comprise a product that includes instructions that can be executed to create means for performing operations specified in a flowchart or block diagram. Examples of computer-readable storage media may include electronic storage media, magnetic storage media, optical storage media, electromagnetic storage media, semiconductor storage media, etc. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media may include floppy disks, diskettes, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), static random access memory (SRAM), compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital multipurpose disc (DVD), Blu-ray® disc, memory stick, integrated circuit card, etc.

[0105] Computer-readable instructions may include assembler instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state setting data, or source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Smalltalk, Java®, C++, and traditional procedural programming languages ​​such as the C programming language or similar languages.

[0106] Computer-readable instructions may be provided to a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or a programmable circuit, either locally or via a wide area network (WAN) such as a local area network (LAN) or the internet, so that the computer-readable instructions may be executed by the processor or programmable circuit of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device, in order to generate means for performing operations specified in a flowchart or block diagram. Examples of processors include computer processors, processing units, microprocessors, digital signal processors, controllers, microcontrollers, and the like.

[0107] Although the present invention has been described above using embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be made to the above embodiments. It will be clear from the claims that such modified or improved forms may also be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0108] It should be noted that the execution order of operations, procedures, steps, and stages in the apparatus, systems, programs, and methods shown in the claims, specifications, and drawings is not explicitly stated as "before" or "prior to," and that these can be implemented in any order unless the output of a previous process is used in a later process. Even if the operation flow in the claims, specifications, and drawings is described using phrases such as "first," and "next," for convenience, this does not mean that it is essential to perform the operations in that order.

[0109] Furthermore, the technology of this disclosure can also be applied to the following modifications.

[0110] (1) The first and second roads are configured to dynamically change the number of lanes according to the direction of vehicle movement. This system is realized using a movable median strip that works in conjunction with sensors embedded in the road. The sensors monitor traffic volume in real time and automatically move the median strip according to the flow of traffic. This allows for flexible response to concentrated traffic volume during specific times, such as rush hour or during events, and alleviates traffic congestion by increasing or decreasing the number of lanes. Furthermore, the movement of the median strip is performed based on a pre-set algorithm, ensuring traffic safety while promoting efficient use of the road. This technology is particularly effective on major arterial roads and highways in urban areas, and by optimizing the flow of daily traffic, it contributes to reducing commuting times and environmental impact. (2) The first road is equipped with control gates that allow vehicle traffic only during specific time periods, limiting use during peak hours to avoid traffic congestion. These control gates are located at the entrance to the road and open and close based on instructions from a traffic control center. For example, during morning and evening rush hours, priority is given to emergency vehicles and public transport, while general vehicle traffic is restricted, ensuring efficient use of important road resources. The control gates are dynamically adjusted according to traffic conditions, and predictive algorithms are used to maintain optimal traffic flow. Furthermore, the operational status of the control gates is notified to drivers in real time and, in conjunction with a navigation system that suggests alternative routes, ensures smooth traffic flow. This system not only reduces traffic congestion in urban areas but also promotes the efficient use of transportation infrastructure throughout the region. (3) The second road features dedicated charging lanes for electric vehicles, allowing vehicles to charge their batteries wirelessly while in motion. These charging lanes supply energy by resonating with the electric vehicle's battery via charging coils embedded in the road surface. The charging system utilizes electromagnetic induction and magnetic resonance technology and is designed to maximize charging efficiency according to the vehicle's speed. Furthermore, the charging lanes are strategically placed on major arterial roads and key urban routes to promote the adoption of electric vehicles. This eliminates the hassle of charging during long-distance journeys, allowing drivers to travel with peace of mind. The operation of the charging lanes is managed in real time and flexibly adjusted according to usage. In addition, this system works in conjunction with renewable energy sources to minimize environmental impact and function as part of a sustainable transportation infrastructure. Expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure will enable the promotion of transportation methods that do not rely on fossil fuels, contributing to improved urban air quality and reduced CO2 emissions. (4) The third road features a priority lane exclusively for emergency vehicles, enabling a rapid response in emergencies. This priority lane is normally closed but is opened at the direction of the traffic control center during emergencies. Designed to optimize the movement of ambulances, fire trucks, and police vehicles during emergencies, the priority lane grants priority passage in conjunction with traffic lights along the designated route. When an emergency vehicle approaches, the traffic lights automatically switch to green to facilitate its rapid movement. This system not only aims to expedite emergency response but also ensures that it does not disrupt the flow of general traffic. Furthermore, data on the use of the priority lane is collected and used to improve the efficiency of emergency response and optimize routes. This enhances emergency response capabilities and minimizes damage. (5) The connecting road between the first and second roads is equipped with a system that determines priority through communication between autonomous vehicles, without the use of traffic signals. This system utilizes V2V (vehicle-to-vehicle) technology, allowing approaching autonomous vehicles to communicate with each other and adjust their direction and speed. The vehicles automatically determine priority at intersections and pass through them smoothly. This technology reduces traffic signal waiting times and optimizes traffic flow. Furthermore, real-time communication between vehicles reduces the risk of traffic accidents and improves safety. This system facilitates traffic flow at intersections and contributes to alleviating traffic congestion in urban areas. The data obtained will also be used to improve traffic management and optimize urban planning. (6) A second road surrounding the residential area is positioned to encircle the perimeter of the area, ensuring pedestrian safety by restricting vehicle access. Only authorized vehicles are allowed to enter this road through barrier systems and access controls installed at the entrance to the residential area. This reduces traffic volume within the residential area, providing a safe environment for pedestrians and cyclists. Furthermore, dedicated pedestrian and bicycle paths are provided within the residential area, ensuring a safe space for residents to move around. This system not only enhances local safety but also improves the quality of life for residents. Vehicle access restrictions are dynamically adjusted based on surrounding traffic conditions and event information, enabling flexible traffic management tailored to the characteristics of the area. Additionally, the improved traffic environment within the residential area contributes to the revitalization of the local community and an increase in property values. (7) A dedicated lane for autonomous logistics trucks is provided in a section of the first road. This lane is designed for logistics trucks to efficiently transport goods autonomously and operates independently of normal traffic. The dedicated logistics lane enables rapid movement between distribution centers and significantly improves the efficiency of urban logistics. Furthermore, precise operational management using autonomous driving technology reduces the risk of traffic accidents and improves safety. The introduction of the dedicated logistics lane also contributes to alleviating traffic congestion and reducing CO2 emissions. In addition, operational data from logistics trucks will be used to optimize and improve the efficiency of the logistics network, promoting the construction of a sustainable logistics system. This system efficiently utilizes urban transportation infrastructure and supports the revitalization of economic activity. (8) The second road's lanes are equipped with a smart street lighting system that automatically illuminates at night. This system uses sensors installed on the road to detect the movement of vehicles and pedestrians, reducing energy consumption by illuminating only the necessary areas. Furthermore, by using LED lighting, it minimizes environmental impact while improving visibility and supporting safe nighttime driving. The smart street lighting system maximizes energy efficiency and reduces operating costs for the local government. In addition, the illumination and lighting time of the streetlights can be adjusted according to the season and weather, allowing for flexible operation to meet local needs. Moreover, this system detects abnormalities in the streetlights and supports prompt maintenance, ensuring an optimal street lighting environment at all times. The introduction of the smart street lighting system improves local safety and enhances the living environment for residents. (9) The first road is equipped with smart traffic sensors that monitor traffic conditions in real time and provide information to the traffic control center. These sensors acquire information on the number of vehicles on the road, their speed, and their location, and use this information to analyze traffic flow. The data obtained helps predict traffic congestion and quickly detect accidents, contributing to the optimization of traffic management. Furthermore, information from the sensors is transmitted to digital signage and driver navigation systems, providing real-time route change suggestions and advice on avoiding congestion. This system smooths the flow of traffic, resulting in shorter travel times and reduced fuel consumption. The collected traffic data is also used to improve urban planning and make infrastructure development more efficient. In this way, the use of smart traffic sensors enhances the efficiency and safety of urban traffic and contributes to the creation of a sustainable urban environment. (10) The second road features a green belt to separate pedestrian and vehicle paths, contributing to the improvement of the urban environment. This green belt consists of green areas such as planted trees and lawns, ensuring the safety of pedestrians and vehicles while also enhancing the urban landscape. Furthermore, the green belt helps mitigate the urban heat island effect and contributes to improved air quality. A rainwater infiltration system is incorporated into this area to efficiently manage rainwater and reduce the risk of urban flooding. The design of the green belt takes into consideration the local ecosystem and provides an environment where diverse plant species can coexist. This also contributes to the conservation of biodiversity in urban areas. This system enhances urban sustainability and provides a comfortable living environment for residents. (11) The first road is equipped with a high-precision map information system to support autonomous vehicle driving. This system meticulously records road signs, signals, and lane information, providing accurate navigation information to autonomous vehicles. The map information is updated in real time and can adapt to changes in road construction and traffic regulations. Based on this map information, autonomous vehicles can drive safely and efficiently. Furthermore, the high-precision map information also works in conjunction with traffic control centers to contribute to the optimization of traffic management and the mitigation of congestion. This system supports the widespread adoption of autonomous driving technology and enhances the efficiency and safety of traffic. In addition, it is expected that improved accuracy of the map information will enhance driver convenience and reduce the incidence of traffic accidents. (12) The second road features a design that reflects the local culture and history, and also serves as a tourist attraction. This design consists of art installations, information panels, and sales spaces for local products along the road, creating a platform for showcasing the region's charm. Tourists can experience the region's history and culture as they walk along the road, enhancing their enjoyment of sightseeing. Such initiatives strengthen the region's identity and contribute to tourism promotion. Furthermore, it provides local residents with an environment they can be proud of, strengthening community bonds. In addition, the road design incorporates local natural materials, demonstrating consideration for the environment and promoting sustainable development. This system serves as a model for leveraging the region's uniqueness and promoting tourism and regional development in an integrated manner. (13) The first road features an interchange to connect to the high-speed transportation network, playing a role in facilitating smooth intercity travel. This interchange consists of multiple entrances and exits and ramps, designed to ensure smooth traffic flow. Furthermore, it works in conjunction with a traffic control center to monitor traffic conditions in real time, preventing accidents and congestion. The interchange's design incorporates simulations based on traffic demand forecasts to ensure optimal traffic handling capacity. In addition, service areas are provided around the interchange, offering drivers opportunities for rest, refueling, and meals. This improves comfort and safety during long-distance travel. This system contributes to the efficiency of intercity transportation and the revitalization of the regional economy. (14) The second road features a planting plan designed to change the landscape according to the seasons. This plan diversifies the scenery along the road by planting different flowers and trees for each season, providing visual enjoyment throughout the year. Plants that evoke a sense of the seasons have been selected, such as cherry blossoms and tulips in spring, sunflowers and lavender in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and evergreen trees in winter. The planting is also provided along the sidewalks and rest areas of the road, creating an environment where pedestrians can enjoy nature as they travel. This initiative will provide healing and tranquility to local residents and tourists, enhancing the appeal of the area. Furthermore, the environmental benefits of the planting are expected to include air purification, temperature regulation, and noise reduction, contributing to the realization of a sustainable urban environment. (15) The first road utilizes permeable pavement to improve drainage performance during rainy weather. Permeable pavement has a structure that allows rainwater to quickly penetrate the road surface, preventing puddles and slip accidents. This ensures a safe driving environment even in rainy weather and maintains a smooth flow of traffic. Furthermore, permeable pavement contributes to sustainable water management by reducing the risk of urban flooding and promoting groundwater recharge. In addition, recycled resources are used in the paving material, reducing the environmental impact. This system not only improves traffic safety during rainy weather but also contributes to urban environmental conservation. (16) The second road features smart crosswalks designed to ensure the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. These crosswalks detect the speed and distance of approaching vehicles and alert drivers to the presence of pedestrians by flashing LED lights. Furthermore, push buttons are installed at both ends of the crosswalks that pedestrians can press to change the traffic signals, supporting safe crossing. The crosswalks are designed with high-brightness paint to enhance visibility, allowing for safe crossing even at night or in bad weather. This system promotes communication between pedestrians and vehicles and helps prevent traffic accidents. In addition, data on the use of the crosswalks is collected and used to improve traffic management and optimize urban planning. (17) The median strip of the first road incorporates a visual signaling system linked to the road lighting, providing visual guidance for traffic flow. This system uses LED lights to alert drivers by changing the color and flashing pattern of the light according to the direction and speed of the vehicles. Especially at night or in poor visibility conditions, the visual signals support driver judgment and aid in safe driving. The visual signals are linked to a traffic control center and can emit special signals in emergencies. This system promotes smooth traffic flow and reduces the risk of accidents. Furthermore, the visual signal patterns can be dynamically changed according to traffic conditions, enabling flexible traffic management. (18) Along the second road, sound-absorbing panels have been installed to reduce noise. These panels effectively absorb vehicle noise generated from the road, minimizing the noise impact on the surrounding environment. Acoustic engineering analysis was incorporated into the design of the sound-absorbing panels, resulting in high sound absorption performance. Furthermore, the surface of the panels is designed to harmonize with the local natural landscape, demonstrating consideration for aesthetics in the urban environment. In addition, the sound-absorbing panels are highly durable, easy to maintain, and can maintain their effectiveness over the long term. This system improves the living environment in urban areas and supports the health and comfortable lives of local residents. Furthermore, combining it with roadside greening is expected to have an even greater environmental improvement effect. (19) The first road features a dedicated lane for electric scooters, supporting the safe and efficient use of micromobility. This dedicated lane is separated from pedestrians and vehicles, providing a safe environment for electric scooters. Furthermore, the usage of the dedicated lane is monitored by sensors to aid in traffic management. The introduction of the dedicated electric scooter lane makes short-distance travel easier and improves connectivity with public transport. This system promotes diversification of urban transportation, contributing to the reduction of traffic congestion and environmental impact. In addition, it is expected that the increased use of electric scooters will lead to their widespread adoption as a new mode of transportation. (20) A geothermal-powered road de-icing system has been installed on a portion of the second road. This system draws in geothermal energy through pipes buried underground, maintaining a suitable road surface temperature and preventing road freezing in winter. By utilizing geothermal energy, environmentally friendly de-icing is possible while reducing energy consumption. Preventing road freezing supports safer driving in winter and reduces the risk of traffic accidents. Furthermore, the geothermal system is easy to maintain and can be operated for a long period of time. This initiative is expected to be expanded to other regions as an example of sustainable energy utilization. Improving road safety through the use of geothermal energy also contributes to strengthening the region's disaster prevention capabilities and supports the peace of mind of residents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0111] 10 System, 12 City structure, 20 Public facilities area, 21 Living area, 40 Server, 80 Apartment building, 82 Dwelling unit, 83 Luggage storage area, 84 Logistics hub, 86 Public facilities, 90 Taxis, 92 Delivery vehicles, 94 Deliveries, 100 Road structure, 110 Main roads, 120 Branch roads, 121 Slow-speed lane, 122 Medium-speed lane, 140 Connecting roads, 141 Lane, 142 Lane, 200 Movement route, 300 Section, 310 Person, 390 Movement trajectory, 491 Movement route, 492 Movement route, 500 Transport lane, 501 Horizontal lane, 502 Lifting lane, 510 Storage area, 540 Control device, 601 Horizontal transport lane, 602 Horizontal transport lane, 620 Opening / closing door, 622 Doors, 650; Kitchens, 660, 670, 680, 690; Extruders, 700; Delivery Boxes, 710; Controllers, 1200; Computers, 1210; Host Controllers, 1212; CPUs, 1214; RAM, 1216; Graphics Controllers, 1218; Display Devices, 1220; Input / Output Controllers, 1222; Communication Interfaces, 1224; Storage Devices, 1226; DVD Drives, 1227; DVD-ROMs, 1230; ROMs, 1240; Input / Output Chips

Claims

1. A first road in which the direction of vehicle travel is restricted to a certain direction, A second road enclosing a human living area and restricting the direction of vehicle movement to a certain direction. Equipped with, The first road and the second road are connected in such a way that vehicles can move between the first road and the second road by changing lanes. road structure.

2. One or more third roads that enclose one or more areas where people live, and in which the direction of vehicle movement is restricted to a certain direction. Furthermore, The first road and each of the one or more third roads are connected in such a way that vehicles can move between the first road and each of the one or more third roads by changing lanes. The road structure according to claim 1.

3. The first road is constructed to surround an area of ​​human activity. The road structure according to claim 1.

4. The second road mentioned above is The first lane for vehicles to travel in, A second lane located outside the first lane and Equipped with, The second lane is a lane for vehicles to travel at a higher speed than the first lane. The road structure according to claim 1.

5. The first road is located outside the second road. The first road and the second road are connected in such a way that vehicles can move between the first road and the second lane of the second road by changing lanes. The road structure according to claim 4.

6. The second road includes a section that runs parallel to the first road. The road structure according to claim 1.

7. The first road is a road on which vehicles can travel at a higher speed than the second road. The road structure according to claim 6.

8. A first road structure comprising the first road and the second road, The second road structure, A connecting road between the first road structure and the second road structure. Equipped with, The second road structure described above is, A fourth road in which the direction of vehicle travel is restricted to a certain direction, A fifth road that encloses human living areas and restricts the direction of vehicle movement to a certain direction. Equipped with, The fourth road and the fifth road are connected such that vehicles can move between the fourth road and the fifth road by changing lanes. The connecting road connects the first road and the fourth road. The road structure according to claim 1.

9. The connecting road and the first road are connected in such a way that vehicles can move from the first road to the connecting road by changing lanes. The connecting road and the fourth road are connected in such a way that vehicles can move from the connecting road to the fourth road by changing lanes. The road structure according to claim 8.

10. The aforementioned vehicle is an autonomous vehicle equipped with an autonomous driving function, The first road and the second road are roads exclusively for autonomous vehicles. The road structure according to claim 1.

11. The road structure described in claim 9, Based on the forecast of passenger transport demand around the aforementioned road structure, a server is used to deploy autonomous vehicles to the aforementioned road structure. A dispatch system equipped with the following features.

12. Road structure according to claim 1 A city structure equipped with these features.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Construction for large city

    JP1998246005A

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