Management server, management system and program

Abstract

To provide a management server, a management system and a program, which allocate an appropriate route to each vehicle.SOLUTION: A management server 20 comprises a control unit 205 configured to: acquire vehicle specification information for each of vehicles 101 to 10n capable of autonomously traveling, task information including a plurality of tasks on a specified date specified by an operator, and map information including a route status of each of a plurality of travel routes; generate allocation information that allocates each of the vehicles 101 to 10n to the plurality of tasks based on the vehicle specification information and the task information; and generate travel route information that determines a route for each of the vehicles 101 to 10n based on the information and the map information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a management server, a management system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which road areas along a vehicle's driving route are assigned for each specified period and for each vehicle, and the road areas are notified to each vehicle so that the vehicle drives autonomously according to the road area assigned to the vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2017 / 11126 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in Patent Document 1, the road area on which each vehicle travels is simply assigned without considering the role of each vehicle, so that the route within the assigned road area may not be appropriate for each vehicle.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a management server, a management system, and a program that assign an appropriate route to each vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The management server according to the present disclosure includes a processor configured to acquire vehicle specification information of each of a plurality of vehicles capable of driving autonomously, task information including a plurality of tasks on a specified date specified by an operator, and map information including route conditions of each of a plurality of driving routes, generate allocation information that assigns each of the plurality of vehicles to the plurality of tasks based on the vehicle specification information and the task information, and generate driving route information that determines the route to be traveled by each of the plurality of vehicles based on the allocation information and the map information.

[0007] In addition, the management system according to the present disclosure includes a management server having a plurality of vehicles capable of driving autonomously, and a processor configured to manage each of the plurality of vehicles, wherein the processor acquires vehicle specification information for each of the plurality of vehicles, task information including a plurality of tasks on a specified date specified by an operator, and map information including route conditions for each of a plurality of driving routes, generates allocation information that assigns each of the plurality of vehicles to the plurality of tasks based on the vehicle specification information and the task information, and generates driving route information that determines the route to be driven by each of the plurality of vehicles based on the allocation information and the map information.

[0008] In addition, the program disclosed herein causes a processor to acquire vehicle specification information for each of a plurality of vehicles capable of driving autonomously, task information including a plurality of tasks on a specified date specified by an operator, and map information including route conditions for each of a plurality of driving routes, generate allocation information that assigns each of the plurality of vehicles to the plurality of tasks based on the vehicle specification information and the task information, and generate driving route information that determines the route to be traveled by each of the plurality of vehicles based on the allocation information and the map information. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to advantageously assign an appropriate route to each vehicle. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a management system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a management system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of a process executed by a management server according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, a management server, a management system, and a program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiment. In addition, in the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0012] [Overview of the management system] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a management system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the management system according to an embodiment. The management system 1 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 is a system for managing a plurality of vehicles 101 to 10 n (n = an integer of 3 or more) (hereinafter, multiple vehicles 101 to 10 n The vehicle 10 includes a vehicle control system (hereinafter, simply referred to as "vehicle 10") and a management server 20. Both the vehicle 10 and the management server 20 are equipped with a communication function and are configured to be able to communicate with each other via a network NW. This network NW is configured, for example, from an Internet line network, a mobile phone line network, etc. In the following description, the vehicle 10 is described as an electric automobile capable of running autonomously, but is not limited thereto and can be applied to any moving body capable of running autonomously, for example. Examples of moving bodies include buses, trucks, heavy machinery, and electric dollies.

[0013] [Vehicle configuration] Next, a description will be given of the functional configuration of the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 shown in Fig. 2 includes an operation unit 101, a drive unit 102, an imaging unit 103, an audio output unit 104, a sensor group 105, a display unit 106, a position acquisition unit 107, a communication unit 108, a storage unit 109, and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 110.

[0014] The operation unit 101 is configured using a steering wheel, an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, etc. The operation unit 101 accepts operations by a driver who is in the vehicle 10.

[0015] The drive unit 102 is configured using a motor, etc. Under the control of the ECU 110, the drive unit 102 supplies driving force to drive wheels of the vehicle 10 based on electric power supplied from a battery (not shown).

[0016] The imaging unit 103 is configured using an imaging device including one or more lenses, and a charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor that captures an image of a subject focused by the lens. A plurality of imaging units 103 are arranged outside the vehicle 10 and inside the vehicle 10. For example, when the imaging units 103 are arranged inside the vehicle 10, they are arranged near the entrance of the vehicle 10, near the exit of the vehicle 10, near the seats of the vehicle 10, and near the driver's seat of the vehicle 10. When the imaging units 103 are arranged outside the vehicle 10, they are arranged in front of, behind, and on the sides of the vehicle 10. The imaging units 103 capture images under the control of the ECU 110, and output image data obtained by the capture to the ECU 110.

[0017] The audio output unit 104 is configured using a speaker etc. The audio output unit 104 outputs audio corresponding to audio data input from the ECU 110 under the control of the ECU 110.

[0018] The sensor group 105 is configured using sensors for realizing autonomous driving, such as a 3D-LiDAR, a millimeter wave sensor, an infrared sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a gyro sensor, and an acceleration sensor. The sensor group 105 is also configured using sensors for detecting the driver's operation of the operation unit 101, such as an accelerator pedal sensor, a brake pedal sensor, and a steering sensor. The sensor group 105 outputs detection result data detected by the various sensors to the ECU 110.

[0019] The display unit 106 is configured using an organic electroluminescent display (OLED) and a liquid crystal display, etc. The display unit 106 displays various information under the control of the ECU 110. Note that a touch panel or the like that accepts input of operations by a passenger or a driver may be provided on the display area of ​​the display unit 106.

[0020] The position acquisition unit 107 is configured using a car navigation system including a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor that receives signals from GPS satellites and calculates the position of the vehicle 10 based on the received signals, and a map database that stores map data. The position acquisition unit 107 outputs position information related to the position of the vehicle 10 to the ECU 110.

[0021] The communication unit 108 is configured using a communication module capable of wireless communication according to a communication standard of a predetermined mobile phone line, etc. The communication unit 108 communicates with the management server 20 through the network NW under the control of the ECU 110. Here, the predetermined communication standard is 5G (5th Generation Mobile Communication System), 4G (4th Generation Mobile Communication System), etc.

[0022] The storage unit 109 is configured using a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a read only memory (ROM), a recording medium, and the like. The storage unit 109 stores various information related to the vehicle 10. The storage unit 109 has a program storage unit 109a and an identification information storage unit 109b. The program storage unit 109a stores various programs executed by the vehicle 10. The identification information storage unit 109b stores host vehicle information for identifying the host vehicle and various data. Here, the host vehicle information includes vehicle type information, model information, minimum turning radius, vehicle width, vehicle height, identification information, model, and the like. The host vehicle information may include status information related to the host vehicle, such as the current position information and vehicle speed of the host vehicle.

[0023] The ECU 110 is configured using a memory and a processor having hardware such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), etc. The ECU 110 controls the operation of each part constituting the vehicle 10.

[0024] [Management Server Configuration] Next, a description will be given of the management server 20. The management server 20 includes a communication unit 201, a display unit 202, an input unit 203, a storage unit 204, and a control unit 205.

[0025] The communication unit 201 is configured using, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) interface board, a wireless communication module for wireless communication, etc. The communication unit 201 is connected to a network NW such as the Internet, which is a public communication network. Under the control of the ECU 110, the communication unit 201 communicates with the vehicle 10 and transmits and receives various information.

[0026] The display unit 202 is configured using an organic EL display, a liquid crystal display, etc. Under the control of the control unit 205, the display unit 202 displays various information.

[0027] The input unit 203 is configured using a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. The input unit 203 accepts an input of an operation by an operator, and outputs to the control unit 205 operation information corresponding to the accepted operation.

[0028] The storage unit 204 is configured using a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a read only memory (ROM), a recording medium, etc. The storage unit 204 has a program storage unit 204a, a vehicle specification information storage unit 204b, a task information storage unit 204c, and a map information storage unit 204d.

[0029] The program storage unit 204a stores various programs and programs currently being processed that are executed by the management server 20. Specifically, the program storage unit 204a stores an operating system (OS), various programs, various tables, various databases, and the like.

[0030] The task information storage unit 204c stores task information including a plurality of tasks on a specified date specified by an operator. Here, the task information is one or more of the following: passenger number information indicating the number of passengers, passenger characteristic information indicating the characteristics of the passengers, baggage type information indicating the type of baggage to be loaded, destination information indicating the destination, and usage purpose information indicating the usage purpose of the user.

[0031] The map information storage unit 204d stores map information including the route conditions of each of the multiple routes. Here, the map information is map data used by each of the vehicles 101 to 10n during autonomous driving based on the position information of the vehicle itself. The route conditions are one or more of the road width, gradient, noise level of the surrounding environment, and roughness. Here, the roughness is a value based on the result of tallying up the amount of change in gravity in the vertical direction detected by the sensor group 105 of the vehicles 101 to 10n.

[0032] The control unit 205 is configured using a memory and a processor having hardware such as a CPU. The control unit 205 controls the operation of each unit constituting the management server 20. The control unit 205 has an acquisition unit 205a, an allocation unit 205b, a decision unit 205c, a setting unit 205d, a display control unit 205e, a communication control unit 205f, and an update unit 205g. In one embodiment, the control unit 205 functions as a processor.

[0033] The acquisition unit 205a acquires vehicle specification information from the vehicle specification information storage unit 204b, task information including a plurality of tasks on a specified date specified by the operator from the task information storage unit 204c, and map information including the route status of each of a plurality of routes from the map information storage unit 204d.

[0034] The allocation unit 205b allocates the vehicles 101 to 10 based on the vehicle specification information and task information acquired by the acquisition unit 205a. n For example, when a task involves transporting fragile items such as glass, fruits, valuables, or electronic equipment, the allocation unit 205b generates allocation information that allocates a vehicle 10 with high vibration damping properties based on the vehicle specification information.

[0035] The determination unit 205c determines the vehicle 101 to the vehicle 102 based on the allocation information generated by the allocation unit 205b and the map information acquired by the acquisition unit 205a. n For example, in the case of a vehicle 10 with high vibration damping properties that is assigned a task of transporting fragile items such as glass, fruits, valuables, or cargo such as electronic devices, when there are multiple routes to the destination, the determination unit 205c generates the driving route information by determining the route with the least bumps and grooves based on the route conditions included in the map information, excluding places with gradients where the bottom of the vehicle 10 rubs against the ground.

[0036] The setting unit 205d determines the route of the vehicles 101 to 100 based on the allocation information generated by the allocation unit 205b, the map information acquired by the acquisition unit 205a, and the driving route information generated by the determination unit 205c. nThe controller 10 generates speed information that sets the speed at which each of the vehicles travels.

[0037] The display control unit 205e outputs to the display unit 202 the allocation information generated by the allocation unit 205b, the driving route information generated by the determination unit 205c, and the speed information generated by the setting unit 205d.

[0038] The communication control unit 205f transmits, via the communication unit 201, the allocation information generated by the allocation unit 205b, the travel route information generated by the determination unit 205c, and the speed information generated by the setting unit 205d to the vehicles 101 to 10 n The output is sent to each of the following.

[0039] The update unit 205g updates the vehicles 101 to 10 n For example, the update unit 205g updates the route state included in the map information stored in the map information storage unit 204d based on the travel data acquired from each of the vehicles 101 to 10 n The degree of unevenness, gradient, road width, etc. of the route condition are updated based on the acceleration in the weight direction or image data contained in the traveling data acquired from each of the above.

[0040] [Management Server Processing] Next, a description will be given of the processing executed by the management server 20. FIG 3 is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing executed by the management server 20.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 3, first, the acquisition unit 205a acquires vehicle specification information from the vehicle specification information storage unit 204b, task information including a plurality of tasks for a specified date specified by the operator via the input unit 203 from the task information storage unit 204c, and map information from the map information storage unit 204d (step S101).

[0042] Next, the allocation unit 205b allocates the vehicles 101 to 10 based on the vehicle specification information and task information acquired by the acquisition unit 205a. nThe allocation unit 205b generates allocation information in which each of the above is assigned to a plurality of tasks (step S102). For example, when the task is to transport fragile items such as glass, fruits, valuables, or electronic equipment, the allocation unit 205b generates allocation information in which the vehicle 10 with high vibration damping is assigned based on the vehicle specification information. When the task is to transport athletes for the Olympics or the like, the allocation unit 205b generates allocation information in which the large vehicle 10 is assigned based on the vehicle specification information. When the task is to transport a large number of people, the allocation unit 205b generates allocation information in which the large vehicle 10 is assigned based on the vehicle specification information. When the task is to transport a large number of people, the allocation unit 205b generates allocation information in which the large vehicle 10 is assigned based on the vehicle specification information. When the task is to transport a large number of people, the allocation unit 205b generates allocation information in which the large vehicle 10 is assigned based on the vehicle specification information. When the task is to transport people staying overnight, the allocation unit 205b generates allocation information in which the large vehicle 10 is assigned based on the vehicle specification information. Furthermore, when the task is to pick up or drop off a guest, the allocation unit 205b generates allocation information that allocates a luxury vehicle 10. The allocation unit 205b allocates a vehicle 10 according to the task based on the vehicle specification information, excluding a vehicle 10 under maintenance.

[0043] Thereafter, the determination unit 205c determines the vehicle 101 to the vehicle 102 based on the allocation information generated by the allocation unit 205b and the map information acquired by the acquisition unit 205a. nThe determination unit 205c generates driving route information that determines the route along which each of the vehicles 10 will travel (step S103). For example, in the case of a vehicle 10 with high vibration damping properties that is assigned a task of transporting fragile items such as glass, fruits, valuables, or luggage such as electronic devices, when there are multiple driving routes to the destination, the determination unit 205c generates the driving route information by selecting a driving route with the least bumps and grooves, excluding places with gradients where the bottom of the vehicle 10 rubs against the ground, based on the route state included in the map information. In addition, in the case of a large vehicle 10 that is assigned a task of transporting athletes, when there are multiple driving routes to the destination, the determination unit 205c generates the driving route information by selecting a driving route, excluding places where the vehicle body protrudes more than expected when the vehicle 10 turns right or left, based on the route state included in the map information. Specifically, the determination unit 205c calculates the expected turning radius R when turning right or left, based on the minimum turning radius included in the vehicle specification information of the large vehicle 10 that is assigned a task of transporting athletes and the road width of the route state included in the map information. Then, the determination unit 205c determines whether the turning radius R is equal to or greater than a preset threshold, and generates the driving route information by excluding routes with turning radius R equal to or greater than the threshold from among the multiple driving routes. In addition, in the case of the vehicle 10 assigned with the task of transporting a person staying overnight, when there are multiple routes to the destination, the determination unit 205c generates the driving route information by selecting the route in ascending order of noise level based on the route conditions included in the map information.

[0044] Next, the setting unit 205d determines whether the vehicles 101 to 100 are traveling on the road based on the allocation information generated by the allocation unit 205b, the map information acquired by the acquisition unit 205a, and the route information generated by the determination unit 205c. n Then, the speed information is generated by setting the speed at which each of the above travels (step S104). For example, in the case of a vehicle 10 with high vibration damping properties that is assigned the task of transporting fragile items such as glass, fruits, valuables, electronic equipment, or other cargo, when a travel route to the destination that has many bumps is determined, the speed information is generated by setting a slower speed based on the route state included in the map information so that the vehicle 10 does not vibrate up and down at places with a slope where the bottom of the vehicle 10 rubs against the ground.

[0045] Next, the display control unit 205e outputs the assignment information, the route information, and the speed information to the display unit 202 (step S105). This allows the operator managing the management system 1 to grasp the tasks, the travel routes, and the speeds of each vehicle 10 on the designated date designated via the input unit 203.

[0046] After that, the communication control unit 205f communicates with the vehicle 101 to the vehicle 10 n The allocation information, the route information, and the speed information are output to each of the vehicles 10 (step S106). This allows a passenger or a driver in each vehicle 10 to confirm the task, the route, and the speed.

[0047] Next, the acquisition unit 205a acquires driving data from each vehicle 10 that has completed the task (step S107).

[0048] Next, the update unit 205g updates the traveling state of the map information stored in the map information storage unit 204d based on the traveling data acquired by the acquisition unit 205a (step S108). n Based on the acceleration in the weight direction or image data included in the travel data acquired from each of the above, the management server 20 updates the degree of unevenness, gradient, road width, etc. of the route condition. After step S108, the management server 20 ends this process.

[0049] According to the embodiment described above, the determination unit 205c determines the vehicle 101 to the vehicle 102 based on the allocation information generated by the allocation unit 205b and the map information acquired by the acquisition unit 205a. n In order to generate travel route information that determines the route that each of the vehicles 101 to 10 will travel, n An appropriate route can be assigned to

[0050] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the task information includes one or more of occupant number information indicating the number of occupants, occupant characteristic information indicating the characteristics of the occupants, luggage type information indicating the type of luggage to be carried, destination information indicating the destination, and usage purpose information indicating the usage purpose of the user, so that the allocation unit 205b can allocate a vehicle 10 according to the content of the task.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the vehicle specification information includes the vehicle 101 to the vehicle 10 n Since the vehicle information includes at least one of vehicle height, vehicle width, vehicle type, number of passengers permitted, and minimum turning radius, the allocation unit 205b can allocate vehicles 10 according to the content of the task, and the determination unit 205c can determine the optimal route.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the update unit 205g updates the route state of the map information stored in the map information storage unit 204d based on the traveling data acquired by the acquisition unit 205a, so that the determination unit 205c determines the route state of the vehicles 101 to 104 using the map information reflecting the latest route state. n A driving route can be determined for each of the above.

[0053] Furthermore, in the management system according to an embodiment, the word "unit" can be read as "circuit" etc. For example, a server control unit can be read as a server control circuit.

[0054] In addition, the program to be executed by the management system of one embodiment is provided as file data in an installable or executable format recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, a Digital Versatile Disk (DVD), a USB medium, or a flash memory.

[0055] Furthermore, the program executed by the management system according to one embodiment may be configured to be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network.

[0056] In the description of the flowcharts in this specification, the order of processing between steps is clearly indicated using expressions such as "first," "then," and "continue," but the order of processing required to implement this embodiment is not uniquely determined by these expressions. In other words, the order of processing in the flowcharts described in this specification can be changed as long as there is no contradiction.

[0057] Further advantages and modifications may readily occur to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Thus, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1 Management System 101~10 n vehicle 20 Management Server 101 Operation section 102 Drive unit 103 Imaging unit 104 Audio output section 105 Sensors 106,202 Display section 107 Position acquisition part 108,201 Communications Department 109,204 Storage section 109a, 204a Program memory section 109b Identification information storage unit 110 ECU 203 Input section 204b Vehicle specification information storage unit 204c Task information storage unit 204d Map information storage section 205 Control Unit 205a Acquisition Department 205b Allocation Department 205c Decision section 205d Setting section 205e Display control unit 205f Communication control unit 205g update part NW Network

Claims

1. Acquire vehicle specification information of each of a plurality of vehicles capable of autonomous driving, task information including a plurality of tasks on a specified date designated by an operator, and map information including a route state of each of a plurality of driving routes; generating allocation information that allocates each of the plurality of vehicles to the plurality of tasks based on the vehicle specification information and the task information; a processor configured to generate driving route information that determines a route along which each of the plurality of vehicles will travel, based on the allocation information and the map information; acquiring travel data from at least one vehicle among the plurality of vehicles, the travel data being recorded by the one vehicle along the route; updating the route state included in the map information based on the travel data; Management server.

2. 2. The management server according to claim 1, The task information includes: The information includes at least one of passenger number information indicating the number of passengers, passenger characteristic information indicating the characteristics of the passengers, baggage type information indicating the type of baggage to be loaded, destination information indicating the destination, and usage purpose information indicating the usage purpose of the user. Management server.

3. 3. The management server according to claim 1, The vehicle specification information is The vehicle height, vehicle width, vehicle type, number of passengers, and minimum turning radius of each of the plurality of vehicles are included. Management server.

4. The management server according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The processor, acquiring travel data from each of the plurality of vehicles of the plurality of vehicles traveling along the route; updating the route state included in the map information based on the traveling data acquired from each of the plurality of vehicles; Management server.

5. The management server according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The processor, generating speed information that sets a speed at which each of the plurality of vehicles travels based on the allocation information, the map information, and the travel route information; Management server.

6. 6. The management server according to claim 5, The processor, outputting the allocation information, the travel route information, and the speed information to a display unit; Management server.

7. 6. The management server according to claim 5, The processor, outputting the allocation information, the travel route information, and the speed information to each of the plurality of vehicles; Management server.

8. A plurality of vehicles capable of autonomous driving; a management server comprising a processor configured to manage each of the plurality of vehicles; Equipped with The processor, Acquire vehicle specification information of each of the plurality of vehicles, task information including a plurality of tasks on a specified date designated by an operator, and map information including a route state of each of a plurality of travel routes; generating allocation information that allocates each of the plurality of vehicles to the plurality of tasks based on the vehicle specification information and the task information; generating travel route information that determines a route along which each of the plurality of vehicles will travel based on the allocation information and the map information; acquiring travel data from at least one vehicle among the plurality of vehicles, the travel data being recorded by the one vehicle along the route; updating the route state included in the map information based on the travel data; Management system.

9. The processor: Acquire vehicle specification information of each of a plurality of vehicles capable of autonomous driving, task information including a plurality of tasks on a specified date designated by an operator, and map information including a route state of each of a plurality of driving routes; generating allocation information that allocates each of the plurality of vehicles to the plurality of tasks based on the vehicle specification information and the task information; generating travel route information that determines a route along which each of the plurality of vehicles will travel based on the allocation information and the map information; acquiring travel data from at least one vehicle among the plurality of vehicles, the travel data being recorded by the one vehicle along the route; updating the route state included in the map information based on the travel data; A program to make that happen.

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