Ride-along support device, ride-along support system, ride-along support method, and program

Abstract

To provide a riding-together support device, a riding-together support system, a riding-together support method, and a program each of which enables a driver of a mobile object to be informed about the change information of an operation plan of the mobile object during movement thereof, at an appropriate timing.SOLUTION: A riding-together support device comprises: an acquisition unit which acquires first information on a first user who drives a mobile object and second information on a second user who rides on the mobile object; an operation plan determination unit determining the operation plan of the mobile object based on the acquired first information and second information; and a notification unit notifying the first user and the second user of information on the determined operation plan. The operation plan determination unit changes the determined operation plan in response to the boarding request from a third user who rides on the mobile object. The notification unit notifies the first user of the changed operation plan when a predetermined condition is satisfied.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a passenger assistance device, a passenger assistance system, a passenger assistance method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are known technologies related to ride sharing, in which multiple users share a vehicle. For example, an on-demand system is known that calculates a route based on passenger movement requests and cargo movement requests, and provides route guidance based on the calculated route (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-220090 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the conventional technology, the route is changed during operation, but a situation in which a new reservation is made and the destination is changed while the vehicle is moving is not assumed. For example, when a new user makes a reservation and is matched with a moving vehicle, the destination that was originally intended for the vehicle may change during the movement. In this case, the driver is forced to suddenly change the route while moving, and may engage in distracted driving to check the changed destination, which may reduce the driver's attention. In addition, the driver may not notice the change in destination and may make a mistake in the destination. In addition, due to the laws of the country in which the vehicle runs, the update, display, and operation of the in-vehicle navigation system while driving may be prohibited, and the change in destination may not be communicated to the driver. On the other hand, if reservations are not accepted while moving, not only is there a concern that the needs of users will not be met and the quality of the service will decrease, but it will not lead to a service that aims to get more users on board.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and one of its objectives is to provide a passenger assistance device, a passenger assistance system, a passenger assistance method, and a program that are capable of notifying the driver of changes to the operation plan while a moving body is moving at an appropriate time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The riding assistance device, the riding assistance system, the riding assistance method, and the program according to the present invention employ the following configuration. (1) A passenger support device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires first information about a first user driving a mobile body and second information about a second user riding in the mobile body, an operation plan determination unit that determines an operation plan for the mobile body based on the acquired first information and second information, and a notification unit that notifies the first user and the second user of information on the determined operation plan, wherein the operation plan determination unit modifies the determined operation plan in response to a boarding request from a third user riding in the mobile body, and the notification unit notifies the first user of the modified operation plan when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0007] (2) In the aspect of (1) above, the predetermined condition includes a timing when the moving object stops.

[0008] (3) In the above aspect (1) or (2), the specified condition includes a timing at which operation of the terminal device of the first user to notify the changed operation plan is permitted.

[0009] (4) In any of the above aspects (1) to (3), the predetermined condition includes that the first user permits notification regarding changes to the operation plan.

[0010] (5) In any of the above aspects (1) to (4), the notification unit adds information indicating the specified conditions to the changed operation plan and transmits it to the terminal device of the first user.

[0011] (6) In any of the above aspects (1) to (4), the notification unit determines whether the specified condition is satisfied or not, and if it determines that the specified condition is satisfied, transmits the modified operation plan to the terminal device of the first user.

[0012] (7) In any of the above aspects (1) to (6), the modified operation plan is an operation plan that passes through a meeting point where the vehicle meets the third user in response to a boarding request from the third user, and a disbanding point where the vehicle disbands from the third user.

[0013] (8) In any of the above aspects (1) to (7), the first user is the owner of the mobile body, a driver who is not the owner of the mobile body but temporarily drives the mobile body, or a driver of the mobile body that is a public transportation facility that is capable of changing its destination.

[0014] (9) A ride-along assistance system according to another aspect of the present invention includes a ride-along assistance device according to any one of aspects (1) to (8) above, and a terminal device of the first user.

[0015] (10) Another aspect of the passenger assistance method of the present invention is a method in which a computer acquires first information about a first user driving a mobile object and second information about a second user riding in the mobile object, determines an operation plan for the mobile object based on the acquired first information and second information, and notifies the first user and the second user of the determined operation plan, and modifies the determined operation plan in response to a boarding request from a third user riding in the mobile object, and notifies the first user of the modified operation plan when specified conditions are satisfied.

[0016] (11) Another aspect of the program of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to acquire first information about a first user driving a mobile body and second information about a second user riding in the mobile body, determine an operation plan for the mobile body based on the acquired first information and second information, and notify the first user and the second user of the determined operation plan, and changes the determined operation plan in response to a boarding request from a third user riding in the mobile body, and notifies the first user of the changed operation plan when specified conditions are satisfied. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the above aspects (1) to (11), it is possible to notify the driver of change information about a trip plan while a moving object is moving at an appropriate timing.

[0018] According to the above aspect (2), the driver can safely recognize the change in the operation plan.

[0019] According to the above aspect (3), the driver can safely recognize the change in the operation plan while complying with the laws of the country in which the moving object is traveling. In addition, by notifying the driver of the change in the operation plan before the vehicle stops, the driver can be made aware of the change in the operation plan more safely.

[0020] According to the above aspect (4), the driver can safely recognize the change in the operation plan according to the driver's desire. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a ride-along support system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of vehicle owner information according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of passenger information according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of matching information according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] 1 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing flow executed in a ride-along assistance system according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6A] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing flow executed in the ride-along support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6B] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing flow executed in the ride-along support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6C] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing flow executed in the ride-along support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing another example of the flow of processing executed in the ride-along assistance system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8A] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating another example of the flow of processing executed in the ride-along assistance system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8B] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating another example of the flow of processing executed in the ride-along assistance system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8C] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating another example of the flow of processing executed in the ride-along assistance system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, an embodiment of the riding support device, the riding support system, the riding support method, and the program of the present invention will be described. The riding support device of the embodiment supports a ride-sharing service (hereinafter referred to as "service") that matches a user who drives a moving body with a user who wishes to ride in the moving body. The moving body used in this service is, for example, a four-wheeled, three-wheeled, two-wheeled, or other vehicle. Furthermore, this vehicle may be a vehicle that runs by the driving operation of the vehicle driver, or may be a so-called automatic driving vehicle that runs without the need for the driving operation of the vehicle driver. In the following description, a case where the vehicle is a four-wheeled vehicle will be described as an example. The vehicle is an example of a "moving body" in the claims.

[0023] [Usage environment for passenger support device] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a passenger support system according to an embodiment. The passenger support system S includes, for example, a passenger support device 100, a terminal device T1 owned by a vehicle driver, and a terminal device T2 owned by a passenger who wishes to ride in the vehicle. The passenger support device 100 communicates with one or more terminal devices T1 and one or more terminal devices T2 via a network NW. The network NW includes, for example, the Internet, a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Local Area Network (LAN), a provider device, a wireless base station, and the like.

[0024] The ride-along support device 100, for example, accepts a ride-along consent from a user U1 who drives a vehicle and a ride-along request from another user U2 who wishes to ride in the vehicle, and performs processing to allow the user U2 to ride in the vehicle M. The ride-along consent from the user U1 and the ride-along request from the user U2 are not limited to those to be executed immediately, but may include a reservation for use at a future time. The user U1 may be the owner of the vehicle, or may be a driver who is not the owner of the vehicle but drives the vehicle temporarily. The user U1 may also be a driver of a moving body of public transportation (such as a taxi) that does not have a fixed destination and can change the destination upon request. In the following, a case where the user U1 is the owner of the vehicle will be described as an example.

[0025] The process for having the user U2 ride in the vehicle includes, for example, a process for extracting the user U2 to ride in each vehicle and a process for determining an operation plan for the vehicle M. The ride-in support device 100 extracts the user U2 who wishes to ride in the vehicle to the same destination as the destination of the user U1 (for example, the company or home of the user U1) or a destination in the same direction, and determines an operation plan for the vehicle M, including the travel route and travel time.

[0026] The terminal device T1 is a terminal device used by a user U1. The terminal device T1 is, for example, a portable terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, or a navigation device mounted on a vehicle M. The terminal device T2 is a terminal device used by a user U2. The terminal device T2 is, for example, a portable terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. In the following, an example will be described in which the terminal device T1 and the terminal device T2 are portable terminal devices. In the following, when there is no need to distinguish between the terminal device T1 and the terminal device T2, they will simply be referred to as "terminal device T".

[0027] The terminal device T performs a procedure for using the service in response to an operation by the user. An application for using the service is executed in the terminal device T. The application transmits, for example, information on joining (registering) the service or application for use input by the operation of the user, location information of the terminal device T (hereinafter referred to as "terminal location information") to the riding support device 100, displays an image based on the information or notification transmitted by the riding support device 100 on the display device, and produces sound data through a speaker. The terminal location information is, for example, information indicating the current location of the terminal device T obtained from a location sensor such as a GPS (Global Positioning System) provided in the terminal device T. The terminal device T may use the service by communicating with the riding support device 100 via a browser installed therein.

[0028] The vehicle M may have a communication function for communicating with the riding support device 100 via the network NW. In this case, the vehicle M transmits position information indicating the position of the vehicle itself (hereinafter referred to as "vehicle position information") to the riding support device 100. The vehicle position information is, for example, information acquired from a navigation device equipped in the vehicle M. The vehicle position information may also be position information acquired from a position sensor such as a GPS equipped in the vehicle M independent of the navigation device. The vehicle M may transmit information regarding the destination set in the navigation device by the user U1 to the riding support device 100. The information regarding the destination may include, for example, information indicating the name and position of the set destination, information indicating the route to the destination guided by the navigation device, information indicating the estimated arrival time of arriving at the set destination based on the route guided by the navigation device, and the like.

[0029] [Configuration of the ride-along support device 100] The ride-along support device 100 includes, for example, a storage unit 110, a communication unit 120, and a control unit 130. The control unit 130 includes, for example, an acquisition unit 131, a matching processing unit 132, an operation plan determination unit 133, and a notification unit 134.

[0030] Each functional unit of the control unit 130 is realized by, for example, a hardware processor (computer) such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a program (software). Some or all of these components may be realized by hardware (including circuitry) such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or may be realized by cooperation between software and hardware. Some or all of the functions of these components may be realized by a dedicated LSI. The program may be stored in advance in a storage device (storage device having a non-transient storage medium) such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or flash memory provided in the riding support device 100, or may be stored in a removable storage medium (non-transient storage medium) such as a DVD or CD-ROM, and the storage medium may be installed in the HDD or flash memory provided in the riding support device 100 by mounting the storage medium in a drive device of the riding support device 100. The riding support device 100 may be realized by a server device or a storage device incorporated in a cloud computing system. In this case, the functions of the riding support device 100 may be realized by a plurality of server devices and storage devices in the cloud computing system.

[0031] The storage unit 110 stores, for example, vehicle owner information 112, passenger information 114, matching information 116, and map information 118. The vehicle owner information 112, passenger information 114, and matching information 116 will be described later. The map information 118 is, for example, information in which road shapes are expressed by links indicating roads and nodes connected by the links.

[0032] The communication unit 120 is a communication interface such as a network card for connecting to the network NW. The communication unit 120 communicates with the terminal device T1, the terminal device T2, the vehicle M, and the like via the network NW.

[0033] The acquisition unit 131 acquires various information related to the use of the service from the terminal device T1 and the terminal device T2 via the communication unit 120, and stores the information in the storage unit 110. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires information for performing a registration process for the service, information indicating a request for a ride from a user U2 who wishes to ride in the vehicle M, information indicating an acceptance of the ride from the user U1 to the vehicle M, and the like. The information for performing a registration process for the service may include information for identifying a user, such as a name, sex, date of birth, address, and telephone number, or may be the minimum information for identifying an individual. That is, the acquisition unit 131 acquires first information related to a first user who drives a mobile object, and second information related to a second user who rides in the mobile object.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the vehicle owner information 112 according to the embodiment. The vehicle owner information 112 is information about a user U1 (vehicle owner) who owns a vehicle. The vehicle owner information 112 is, for example, information in which a destination, a ride-along consent, a current location, and a vehicle location are associated with a vehicle owner ID that identifies the user U1. The destination is information indicating a location registered by the user U1 as a destination. The ride-along consent is information indicating whether the user U1 has consented to a ride-along in the vehicle M. Either "Y" indicating consent at the present time or "N" indicating no consent at the present time is registered in the ride-along consent. The current location is information indicating the current location of the user U1. The current location is transmitted by the terminal device T1 of the user U1, and is successively updated by the acquisition unit 131 each time the communication unit 120 receives it. The vehicle location is information indicating the current location of the vehicle M of the user U1. The vehicle location is the same as the current location while the user U1 is riding in the vehicle M. The vehicle position is transmitted by the terminal device T1 and is successively updated by the acquisition unit 131 every time the communication unit 120 receives the vehicle position. Alternatively, the vehicle position may be vehicle position information transmitted by a navigation device of the vehicle M.

[0035] The vehicle owner information 112 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 2, and may include various other information, such as information indicating the type of vehicle owned by user U1, information about the route to be taken when heading to the destination, and information indicating the locations of potential junctions along the route.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of passenger information 114 according to an embodiment. The passenger information 114 is information about a user U2 (passenger) who wishes to ride in a vehicle. The passenger information 114 is, for example, information in which a destination, a ride request, and a current location are associated with a passenger ID that identifies the user U2. The destination is information indicating a location registered by the passenger as a destination. The ride request is information indicating whether or not the passenger is requesting to ride in a vehicle. Either "Y" indicating a request at the moment, or "N" indicating no request at the moment, is registered in the ride request. The current location is information indicating the current location of the user U2. The current location is transmitted by the terminal device T2 of the user U2, and is successively updated by the acquisition unit 131 each time the communication unit 120 receives it.

[0037] Returning to FIG. 1, the matching processing unit 132 performs a process of matching the user U1 with the user U2 based on the information acquired from the terminal device T1 and the terminal device T2, and the vehicle owner information 112 and the passenger information 114 stored in the storage unit 110. In response to the acquired ride-along acceptance and ride-along request, the matching processing unit 132 refers to the vehicle owner information 112 and the passenger information 114 stored in the storage unit 110, and extracts the user U2 who will ride in the vehicle M owned by the user U1 who has accepted the ride-along. For example, based on the information on the current location of the user U1 and the current location of the user U2, the matching processing unit 132 extracts the user U2 whose current location is within a predetermined range (for example, within 1 km from the current location of the user U1) centered on the current location of the user U1. Alternatively, the matching processing unit 132 may, for example, refer to the map information 118 based on the current location of the user U1 and the destination registered in the vehicle owner information 112, estimate the route that the user U1 will take to travel to the destination in the vehicle M, and extract passengers whose current location or destination is within a predetermined range (for example, within 1 km of the route) from the estimated route. The matching processing unit 132 associates the extracted pairs of vehicle owners and passengers with each other, and stores them in the storage unit 110 as matching information 116.

[0038] The operation plan determination unit 133 determines an operation plan including the junction point, junction time (or junction time zone), disbanding point, and disbanding time of the extracted users U1 and U2 based on the vehicle owner information 112 and the passenger information 114. For example, the operation plan determination unit 133 determines a point between the current location of the user U1 and the current location of the passengers or a point within a predetermined range as a junction point based on the current location information of the users U1 and U2. For example, the operation plan determination unit 133 determines a point between the destinations of the users U1 and U2 or a point within a predetermined range as a disbanding point based on the destination information registered in the vehicle owner information 112 and the destination information registered in the passenger information 114. The operation plan determination unit 133 adds the determined junction point, junction time, disbanding point, and disbanding time to the matching information 116 stored in the storage unit 110. That is, the operation plan determination unit 133 determines an operation plan for the moving object based on the acquired first information and second information.

[0039] Meeting points and disbanding points include, for example, facilities such as shopping malls, supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants, accommodation facilities, various activity facilities, hospitals, and government agencies, as well as the parking lots of these facilities.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the matching information 116 according to the embodiment. The matching information 116 is information in which, for example, a vehicle owner current location, a vehicle current location, a passenger ID, a passenger current location, a meeting point, a meeting time, a disbanding point, and a disbanding time are associated with a vehicle owner ID of a user U1. The vehicle owner current location is information on the current location of the user U1 extracted from the vehicle owner information 112. The vehicle current location is information on the vehicle location extracted from the vehicle owner information 112. The passenger ID is the passenger ID of the user U2 extracted as a passenger. The passenger current location is information on the current location of the user U2 extracted from the passenger information 114. The meeting point and the meeting time are information on the meeting point and the meeting time determined by the operation plan determination unit 133. The disbanding point and the disbanding time are information on the disbanding point and the disbanding time determined by the operation plan determination unit 133.

[0041] The matching information 116 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 4, and may include various information, such as information on the junction route for user U1 to the junction point, information on the junction route for user U2 to the junction point, and information on a shared route for users U1 and U2 to travel together to a disbanding point after junctioning at the junction point.

[0042] Returning to FIG. 1, the notification unit 134 transmits various information to the terminal device T1 and the terminal device T2 via the communication unit 120. As a result, the application executed in each of the terminal device T1 and the terminal device T2 notifies the user U1 and the user U2 of the information from the passenger support device 100. The notification unit 134 notifies the user U1 and the user U2 of the information of the operation plan determined by the operation plan determination unit 133. The notification unit 134 may transmit information to the terminal device T1 and the terminal device T2, for example, using the map information 118, which guides the user U1 and the user U2, or the vehicle M, on the route to the junction point, the disbanding point, and the destination. In this case, the application causes the terminal device T to display the route to the junction point or the disbanding point, or / and to emit a sound, by the navigation function provided in the terminal device T1 and the terminal device T2. That is, the notification unit 134 notifies the first user and the second user of the information of the operation plan that has been determined.

[0043] In addition, after the operation plan is transmitted to the terminal device T1, if a new ride request is received from a new other user (hereinafter also referred to as a "new passenger applicant"), the matching processing unit 132 performs user matching processing again, including the user U1 who has already started moving based on the operation plan as a candidate. Then, as a result of this second matching processing, if the user U1 who has already started moving based on the operation plan becomes a matching target, the operation plan determination unit 133 changes the generated operation plan. The notification unit 134 transmits information on this changed operation plan to the terminal device T1 of the user U1 and the terminal device of the new passenger applicant. That is, the operation plan determination unit 133 changes the determined operation plan in response to a boarding request from a third user who rides in the moving object. The notification unit 134 notifies the first user of the changed operation plan when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0044] When transmitting information on the changed operation plan to the terminal device T1, the notification unit 134 transmits information on the changed operation plan together with information on the notification conditions. The notification conditions indicate conditions under which the information on the changed operation plan can be notified to the user U1. The notification conditions include, for example, a first notification condition indicating that the timing is when the vehicle is stopped, a second notification condition indicating that the timing is when the operation of the terminal device is permitted under the laws of the country in which the vehicle is traveling, and a third notification condition indicating that the notification of the changed operation plan is permitted by the user.

[0045] When the first notification condition is added to the changed operation plan, the terminal device T1 notifies the user U1 of information about the changed operation plan when the vehicle M driven by the user U1 is stopped. The timing when the vehicle is stopped includes, for example, the timing when the vehicle is stopped at a user's boarding / alighting point such as a junction point, a disbanding point, or a destination, as well as a state in which the vehicle is stopped without moving for a predetermined time or more, such as a stop due to a traffic jam or a stop at a traffic light.

[0046] When the second notification condition is added to the changed operation plan, the terminal device T1 notifies the user U1 of the information on the changed operation plan at a timing when the operation of the terminal device is permitted under the law of the country where the vehicle is traveling. For example, when the operation of the terminal device T1 is permitted while the vehicle is traveling in an automatic driving mode under the law of the country where the vehicle M is traveling, the terminal device T1 notifies the user U1 of the information on the changed operation plan even while the vehicle is traveling. Alternatively, when the operation of the terminal device T1 is permitted in a traveling state where the speed of the vehicle is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold or in a traveling state where the vehicle is traveling on a specific road (for example, a highway for motor vehicles), the terminal device T1 notifies the user U1 of the information on the changed operation plan even while the vehicle is traveling.

[0047] When the third notification condition is added to the changed operation plan, the terminal device T1 notifies the user U1 of the information on the changed operation plan when the user has set permission for notification of the information on the changed operation plan. For example, when the user U1 operates an application executed in advance on the terminal device T1 to set permission for notification of the changed operation plan, the terminal device T1 notifies the user U1 of the information on the changed operation plan regardless of the operating state of the vehicle.

[0048] [Processing when operation plan is changed (1): First notification condition (vehicle stop)] Next, the processing of the riding support system S according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing flow when a change in an operation plan occurs in the riding support system S according to the embodiment. FIG. 6A, FIG. 6B, and FIG. 6C are diagrams for explaining the state of processing when a change in an operation plan occurs in the riding support system S according to the embodiment. In the following description, as shown in FIG. 6A, it is assumed that a matching process between the user U1 who is the owner of the vehicle M and the users U2-1 and U2-2 who are the passengers and generation of an operation plan have been completed, and the vehicle M driven by the user U1 departs from the start point SP1, meets (picks up) the user U2-1 at the first meeting point PP1 which is the meeting point with the user U2-1, and then moves toward the second meeting point PP2 which is the meeting point with the user U2-2.

[0049] A user U2-3 who wishes to use the system for the first time operates the terminal device T2-3 of the user U2-3 to carry out a procedure for a request to ride in a vehicle. An application executed on the terminal device T2-3 transmits a request from the user U2-3 to the riding support device 100 (step S100). The acquisition unit 131 of the riding support device 100 accepts the request transmitted by the terminal device T2-3 (step S102).

[0050] Next, the matching processing unit 132 of the riding support device 100 matches the user U2-3 who has requested to ride with a vehicle owner who can accommodate the user U2-3, based on the riding request acquired by the acquisition unit 131 and the vehicle owner information 112 and matching information 116 stored in the storage unit 110 (step S104). Here, the matching processing unit 132 performs a user matching process, including the user U1 who has already started moving based on the operation plan as a candidate.

[0051] If a user U1 who has already started moving based on an operation plan becomes a matching target as a result of the matching process by the matching processing unit 132, the operation plan determination unit 133 changes the generated operation plan (step S106). Note that if a user who has not yet become a matching target becomes a matching target as a result of the matching process by the matching processing unit 132, the operation plan determination unit 133 generates a new operation plan as usual.

[0052] Next, the notification unit 134 of the riding support device 100 adds a first notification condition to the operation plan changed by the operation plan determination unit 133, and transmits it to the terminal device T1 of the user U1 (step S108). As described above, this first notification condition is a condition that the changed operation plan is notified when the vehicle is stopped. The notification unit 134 may transmit the changed operation plan to the terminal device T2-1 of the user U2-1 and the terminal device T2-2 of the user U2-2.

[0053] Next, the application (hereinafter also referred to as the "first application") executed on the terminal device T1 performs a stoppage determination of the vehicle M according to the first notification condition assigned to the changed operation plan (step S110). That is, even if the first application receives the changed operation plan from the passenger support device 100, it does not immediately notify the user U1, and determines whether the vehicle M is stopped or not. In other words, the first application does not notify the user U1 of the changed operation plan while the vehicle M is traveling. The first application performs a stoppage determination of the vehicle M based on, for example, terminal position information acquired from a position sensor such as a GPS equipped in the terminal device T1, vehicle position information acquired from a navigation device equipped in the vehicle M, and the like.

[0054] Next, when the first application determines that the vehicle M is stopped, it notifies the user U1 of the changed operation plan (step S112). In the example illustrated in FIG. 6B, the first application determines that the vehicle M is stopped when the vehicle M carrying the users U1 and U2-1 arrives at the second meeting point PP2. Then, the first application notifies the user U1 of the changed operation plan, for example, by displaying the changed operation plan on the display device of the terminal device T1. This changed operation plan includes information such as a meeting point, a disbanding point, and a meeting time that have been changed to include the user U2-3 who has newly requested to ride with the user. That is, the changed operation plan is an operation plan that passes through a meeting point where the third user is met in response to a boarding request from the third user, and a disbanding point where the third user is disbanded.

[0055] Next, the first application confirms with the user U1 whether or not to accept the changed operation plan (step S114). For example, as shown in Fig. 6B, the first application displays an "Accept" button B1 on the display device of the terminal device T1, and confirms whether or not the "Accept" button B1 is pressed by the operation of the user U1.

[0056] Next, when the first application confirms that the changed operation plan has been accepted by the user U1, it transmits a riding acceptance to the riding support device 100 (step S116). As shown in Fig. 6C, thereafter, the vehicle M carrying the users U1, U2-1, and U2-2 changes its destination in accordance with the changed operation plan, and travels toward the third junction point PP3, which is the junction point with the user U2-3.

[0057] Next, when the acquisition unit 131 of the accompanying support device 100 accepts the accompanying ride acceptance transmitted by the terminal device T1, the notification unit 134 transmits the changed operation plan to the terminal device T2-3 (step S118).

[0058] Next, the application running on the terminal device T2-3 notifies the user U2-3 of the changed operation plan (step S120). For example, the application running on the terminal device T2-3 notifies the user U2-3 of the changed operation plan by displaying the changed operation plan on the display device of the terminal device T2-3. The user U2-3 can grasp the third meeting point PP3 and the meeting time by checking the displayed operation plan.

[0059] After that, the riding support device 100 checks the operation status of the vehicle M (step S122). For example, the riding support device 100 checks whether or not the vehicle has arrived at the third meeting point PP3, which is a meeting point with the user U2-3, and the arrival time, whether or not the vehicle has arrived at the first disbanding point DP1, which is a disbanding point with the user U2-1, whether or not the vehicle has arrived at the third disbanding point DP3, which is a disbanding point with the user U2-3, and the arrival time, whether or not the vehicle has arrived at the second disbanding point DP2, which is a disbanding point with the user U2-2, and whether or not the vehicle has arrived at the destination TP1, which is the destination of the user U1, and the like. The confirmation of the arrival at each point may be based on a report in response to the user's operation transmitted from an application executed on the terminal device T. Alternatively, the confirmation of the arrival at each point may be based on the position information transmitted from an application executed on the terminal device T or a navigation device of the vehicle M. With the above, the processing of this sequence diagram is completed.

[0060] In the above example, the terminal device T1 determines whether the first notification condition is satisfied, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the riding support device 100 may continuously receive vehicle position information (or terminal position information) of the vehicle M and determine whether the first notification condition is satisfied. In this case, the riding support device 100 may transmit information on the changed operation plan to the terminal device T1 at the timing when it is confirmed that the first notification condition is satisfied, and the terminal device T1 that has received the information on the changed operation plan may notify the user U1 of the changed operation plan without determining whether the first notification condition is satisfied. That is, the notification unit 134 determines whether a predetermined condition is satisfied, and when it determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied, transmits the changed operation plan to the terminal device of the first user.

[0061] [Processing when an operation plan is changed (2): Second notification condition (permission to operate terminal device)] Next, another example of the processing of the ride-along support system S according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing another example of the processing flow when a change in the operation plan occurs in the ride-along support system S according to the embodiment. FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C are diagrams for explaining other processing when a change in the operation plan occurs in the ride-along support system S according to the embodiment. The processing described below differs from the above "Process (1) when the operation plan is changed" in terms of the conditions for notifying the terminal device T1 of the changed operation plan. The following description will focus on this difference.

[0062] In the following explanation, as shown in Figure 8A, it is assumed that the matching process between user U1, the owner of vehicle M, and passengers U2-1 and U2-2, and the generation of an operation plan have been completed, and that vehicle M driven by user U1 departs from starting point SP1, merges with user U2-1 at the first merging point PP1, and then moves toward the second merging point PP2.

[0063] A user U2-3 who wishes to use the system for the first time operates the terminal device T2-3 of the user U2-3 to carry out a procedure for a request to ride in a vehicle. An application executed on the terminal device T2-3 transmits a request from the user U2-3 to the riding support device 100 (step S100). The acquisition unit 131 of the riding support device 100 accepts the request transmitted by the terminal device T2-3 (step S102).

[0064] Next, the matching processing unit 132 of the riding support device 100 matches the user U2-3 who has requested to ride with a vehicle owner who can accommodate the user U2-3, based on the riding request acquired by the acquisition unit 131 and the vehicle owner information 112 and matching information 116 stored in the storage unit 110 (step S104). If the user U1 who has already started moving based on the operation plan becomes a matching target as a result of the matching process, the operation plan determination unit 133 changes the generated operation plan (step S106).

[0065] Next, the notification unit 134 of the riding support device 100 adds a second notification condition to the operation plan changed by the operation plan determination unit 133 and transmits it to the terminal device T1 of the user U1 (step S208). As described above, this second notification condition is a condition that the changed operation plan is notified at a timing when the operation of the terminal device is permitted under the laws of the country in which the vehicle M runs. Note that the notification unit 134 may transmit the operation plan changed by the operation plan determination unit 133 to the terminal device T2-1 of the user U2-1 and the terminal device T2-2 of the user U2-2.

[0066] Next, the first application executed on the terminal device T1 judges the operation conditions of the terminal device T1 according to the second notification condition assigned to the changed operation plan (step S210). That is, even if the first application receives the changed operation plan from the passenger support device 100, it does not immediately notify the user U1, but judges whether the operation conditions of the terminal device T1 are satisfied. In other words, the first application does not notify the user U1 of the changed operation plan while the operation conditions of the terminal device T1 are not satisfied.

[0067] Next, when the first application determines that the operation conditions of the terminal device T1 are satisfied, it notifies the user U1 of the changed operation plan (step S212). For example, the first application notifies the user U1 of the changed operation plan by displaying the changed operation plan on the display device of the terminal device T1. In the example shown in FIG. 8B, it is assumed that the law of the country in which the vehicle M is traveling permits the operation of the terminal device T1 while the vehicle M is traveling under automatic driving control. In this example, even if the vehicle M is moving toward the second junction PP2, when the vehicle M is traveling under automatic driving control, the first application determines that the operation conditions of the terminal device T1 are satisfied, and notifies the user U1 of the changed operation plan.

[0068] Next, the first application confirms with the user U1 whether or not to accept the changed operation plan (step S114). For example, as shown in Fig. 8B, the first application displays an "Accept" button B1 on the display device of the terminal device T1, and confirms whether or not the "Accept" button B1 is pressed by the operation of the user U1.

[0069] Next, when the first application confirms that the changed operation plan has been accepted by the user U1, it transmits a riding acceptance to the riding support device 100 (step S116). In the example shown in Fig. 8C, the operation plan is changed while the vehicle M is moving, and the vehicle M with the users U1 and U2-1 as passengers changes its destination according to the changed operation plan, for example, traveling toward the third junction point PP3, which is a junction point with the user U2-3.

[0070] Next, when the acquisition unit 131 of the riding support device 100 accepts the riding acceptance transmitted by the terminal device T1, the notification unit 134 transmits the changed operation plan to the terminal device T2-3 (step S118). Next, the application running on the terminal device T2-3 notifies the user U2-3 of the changed operation plan (step S120). After that, the riding support device 100 checks the operation status of the vehicle M (step S122). With the above, the processing of this sequence diagram is completed.

[0071] In the above example, the terminal device T1 determines whether the second notification condition is satisfied, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the passenger support device 100 may continuously receive vehicle position information (or terminal position information) of the vehicle M or driving control information of the vehicle M to determine whether the second notification condition is satisfied. In this case, the passenger support device 100 may transmit information on the changed operation plan to the terminal device T1 at the timing when it is confirmed that the second notification condition is satisfied, and the terminal device T1 that has received the information on the changed operation plan may notify the user U1 of the changed operation plan without determining whether the second notification condition is satisfied.

[0072] The first application may be configured to display only an advance notification that a change will occur in the operation plan at the next stop on the display device of the terminal device T1 while the vehicle M is moving. The user U1 can reliably and safely change the route in response to the change in the operation plan by checking such an advance notification in advance while the vehicle M is moving. In addition, the system may automatically determine whether or not reverse running is permitted during movement based on the driving route and the attributes of the user U1 who is riding in the vehicle M, and set the setting.

[0073] [Processing when operation plans are changed (3): Third notification condition (user operation permission)] Next, another example of the process of the ride-along support system S according to the embodiment will be described. The process described below is the same as the above-mentioned "Process (2) when the operation plan is changed" except that the "second notification condition" is replaced with a "third notification condition." The following description will focus on this difference.

[0074] That is, the first application executed on the terminal device T1 receives the changed operation plan with the third notification condition from the passenger support device 100, and determines whether or not the user U1 has permitted the notification regarding the change in the operation plan according to the third notification condition. Next, when the first application determines that the user U1 has permitted the notification regarding the change in the operation plan, it notifies the user U1 of the changed operation plan.

[0075] In the above example, the terminal device T1 determines whether the third notification condition is satisfied, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the passenger support device 100 may register in advance whether or not to notify the user U1 of the change in the operation plan, and the passenger support device 100 may determine whether or not the third notification condition is satisfied. In this case, when the passenger support device 100 determines that the third notification condition is satisfied, the passenger support device 100 may transmit information about the changed operation plan to the terminal device T1, and the terminal device T1 that has received the information about the changed operation plan may notify the user U1 of the changed operation plan without determining whether or not the third notification condition is satisfied.

[0076] According to the embodiment of the passenger support device described above, the device is equipped with an acquisition unit (acquisition unit 131) that acquires first information regarding a first user (user U1) driving a moving body (vehicle M) and second information regarding a second user (user U2) riding in the moving body, a determination unit (operation plan determination unit 133) that determines an operation plan for the moving body based on the acquired first information and second information, and a notification unit (notification unit 134) that notifies the first user and the second user of the determined operation plan information, and the determination unit changes the determined operation plan in response to a boarding request from a third user riding in the moving body, and the notification unit notifies the first user of the changed operation plan when a predetermined condition is met, thereby notifying the driver of changes to the operation plan while the moving body is moving at an appropriate time.

[0077] The above describes the form for carrying out the present invention using an embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and various modifications and substitutions can be made within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 100...Riding support device 110...Storage section 112 Vehicle Owner Information 114 Passenger Information 116···Matching Information 118···Map Information 120 Communications Department 130... Control unit 131...Acquisition part 132 Matching processing unit 133... Operation plan determination unit 134... Notification Department T1...Terminal Equipment T2: Terminal equipment NW...Network M...Vehicle

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires first information about a first user who drives a moving object and second information about a second user who is a passenger in the moving object; an operation plan determination unit that determines an operation plan of the moving object based on the acquired first information and the acquired second information; a notification unit that notifies the first user and the second user of information about the determined operation plan, The operation plan determination unit changes the determined operation plan in response to a boarding request from a third user who is riding in the moving object, The notification unit notifies the first user of the changed operation plan when a notification condition is satisfied. Ride-along support device.

2. The condition regarding the notification includes a timing when the moving object stops. The ride support device according to claim 1.

3. The condition regarding the notification includes a timing at which an operation of the terminal device of the first user who notifies the changed operation plan is permitted. The ride support device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The conditions regarding the notification include that the first user permits notification regarding changes to the operation plan. The ride support device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The notification unit adds information indicating conditions related to the notification to the changed operation plan and transmits the changed operation plan to the terminal device of the first user. The ride support device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The notification unit determines whether or not a condition regarding the notification is satisfied, and when it determines that the condition regarding the notification is satisfied, transmits the changed operation plan to a terminal device of the first user. The ride support device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The changed operation plan is an operation plan that passes through a meeting point where the vehicle meets the third user in response to a boarding request from the third user and a disbanding point where the vehicle disbands from the third user. The ride support device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The first user is an owner of the moving body, a driver who is not the owner of the moving body but temporarily drives the moving body, or a driver of the moving body that is a public transportation facility that can change destinations. A ride support device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The ride support device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, A terminal device of the first user; A passenger assistance system equipped with

10. The computer Acquire first information regarding a first user who drives a mobile object and second information regarding a second user who is a passenger in the mobile object; determining an operation plan for the moving object based on the acquired first information and the acquired second information; A ride-along support method for notifying the first user and the second user of information on the determined operation plan, changing the determined operation plan in response to a boarding request from a third user who is riding in the moving object; notifying the first user of the changed operation plan when a notification condition is satisfied; Ride-along assistance methods.

11. On the computer, acquiring first information about a first user who drives a moving object and second information about a second user who is a passenger in the moving object; determining an operation plan for the moving object based on the acquired first information and the acquired second information; A program for notifying the first user and the second user of information on the determined operation plan, changing the determined operation plan in response to a boarding request from a third user who is riding in the moving body; notifying the first user of the changed operation plan when a notification condition is satisfied; program.

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