Vehicle allocation support device, vehicle allocation support method, and vehicle allocation support program

Abstract

A vehicle dispatch assistance device (100) comprises a baggage information acquisition unit (111), a user information acquisition unit (112), a vehicle information acquisition unit (114), a usage region specification unit (115), and a vehicle dispatch determination unit (116). The baggage information acquisition unit (111) acquires baggage information regarding baggage that has been loaded into a vehicle. The user information acquisition unit (112) acquires user information, which at least includes user location information indicating the current location of a user or destination information indicating a planned destination of the user. The vehicle information acquisition unit (114) acquires vehicle information that includes vehicle location information indicating the location of the vehicle. On the basis of the baggage information, and the user information or the vehicle information, the usage region specification unit (115) specifies a usage region in which the baggage will be used. On the basis of the locational relationship between the user location information or the destination information and the usage region, the vehicle dispatch determination unit (116) determines a vehicle dispatch route for dispatching the vehicle to at least one of the current location of the user, the planned destination, and the usage region.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle dispatch support device, a vehicle dispatch support method, and a vehicle dispatch support program. [Background technology]

[0002] A service has been proposed for transporting and delivering vehicle occupants and luggage loaded on the vehicle to the destination of the occupants and the delivery destination of the luggage. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle dispatching device for a composite service that combines transportation of occupants by an autonomous vehicle and delivery of luggage. An autonomous vehicle dispatched by this vehicle dispatching device transports a user (occupant) and luggage to the destination, and delivers the luggage to the delivery destination after the user disembarks at the destination. According to this vehicle dispatching device, for example, when a user who arrives at an airport stops at a tourist spot (destination) before checking into a hotel, the user disembarks at the tourist spot and the luggage is delivered to the hotel at the delivery destination. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-105926 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the dispatch device of Patent Document 1, if a user wants to use a package along the route after getting off the autonomous vehicle at the destination, the user must first travel to the delivery location of the package, pick up the package, and then travel again with the package to the location where the user wants to use the package. In other words, if a user who has gotten off the autonomous vehicle wants to use a package along the route, the user must take the trouble (extra effort) of going to pick up the package, resulting in wasted energy.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a vehicle dispatch support device, a vehicle dispatch support method, and a vehicle dispatch support program that enable a user to receive luggage from a vehicle at a location where the user will use the luggage when there is a high possibility that the user will use the luggage loaded in the vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A vehicle dispatch assistance device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a baggage information acquisition unit, a user information acquisition unit, a vehicle information acquisition unit, a utilization area specification unit, and a vehicle dispatch determination unit. The baggage information acquisition unit acquires baggage information related to baggage loaded in a vehicle. The user information acquisition unit acquires user information related to a user, the user information including at least user position information indicating a current position of the user or destination information indicating a planned destination of the user. The vehicle information acquisition unit acquires vehicle information including vehicle position information indicating a position of the vehicle. The utilization area specification unit specifies a utilization area in which the baggage is to be utilized, based on the baggage information and the user information or the vehicle information. The vehicle dispatch determination unit determines a vehicle dispatch route for dispatching a vehicle to at least one of the user's current position, the planned destination, or the utilization area, based on a positional relationship between the user position information or the destination information and the utilization area. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle dispatch support device can be provided that allows a user to receive luggage from a vehicle at a location where the user will use the luggage when there is a high possibility that the user will use the luggage loaded in the vehicle. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle dispatch support system 1 according to this embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a vehicle dispatch service using the vehicle dispatch support system 1. As shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram for explaining the processing of the vehicle allocation support system 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram for explaining the functions of the vehicle dispatch assistance device 100. As shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of package information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of user information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an inquiry screen for a user according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the process of the vehicle allocation support device 100 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a vehicle dispatch service according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram for explaining the processing of the vehicle allocation support system 1 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of package information according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the process of the vehicle-dispatch support device 100 according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same parts are given the same reference numerals and the description will be omitted.

[0010] (Overview of vehicle dispatch support system 1) The vehicle dispatch support system 1 is a system that delivers luggage loaded in a vehicle to a user when the user uses the luggage. The vehicle dispatch support system 1 using the vehicle dispatch support device 100 will be described below with reference to several specific embodiments.

[0011] (First embodiment) The configuration of a vehicle allocation support system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The vehicle allocation support system 1 includes a server 10, a vehicle 20, a user terminal 30, and a network 40.

[0012] In this embodiment, the server 10 includes a vehicle dispatching support device 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle dispatching support device 100 includes a control unit 110, a storage unit 120, an input / output IF 130, and a network IF 140. The server 10 exchanges data with the vehicle 20 and the user terminal 30 via the network 40. The configuration example of the vehicle dispatching support device 100 shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example, and the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the server 10 can be replaced with one or more computers capable of implementing each function implemented in the control unit 110. Details of the control unit 110 and the storage unit 120 will be described later.

[0013] The input / output IF 130 is, for example, a component (interface) through which a user who uses the server 10 exchanges data with the server 10, and is configured to include, for example, an input unit and an output unit.

[0014] The input unit has an interface function for inputting various information by the user, and information is input from outside the server 10. The user inputs information to the input unit through, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, a trackball, a voice recognition device, or the like, connected to the server 10. The input unit can also input information as a data input terminal for inputting data from an external storage device (not shown) or the like.

[0015] The output unit displays various information on a display device (not shown) connected to the server 10. The display device is, for example, a display device, a projector device, or the like.

[0016] The network IF 140 is an interface for communicating with the vehicle 20 and the user terminal 30 via a wired and / or wireless network.

[0017] The vehicle 20 includes an electronic control unit 200. The electronic control unit 200 includes a control unit, a storage unit, and a network IF, and is a computer for controlling the traveling of the vehicle 20. The electronic control unit 200 is also communicably connected to the server 10 via a network 40. The vehicle 20 may be an autonomous vehicle. An autonomous vehicle is a vehicle equipped with an autonomous driving system that automatically drives the vehicle toward a destination set in advance. That is, an autonomous vehicle runs autonomously without the driver having to perform driving operations. The vehicle 20 also includes a GPS (Global Positioning System) device (not shown).

[0018] The GPS device detects position information of the vehicle 20 and transmits the detected position information to the electronic control unit 200. The GPS device receives radio waves from a plurality of GPS satellites with a GPS antenna (not shown), performs a predetermined calculation process to obtain latitude and longitude information representing the current position of the vehicle 20 from the received signal, and stores the information in a memory section of the electronic control unit 200 as position information of the vehicle 20. In addition, the control section of the electronic control unit 200 transmits the position information of the vehicle 20 stored in the memory section to the server 10 via the network IF at a predetermined timing.

[0019] The user terminal 30 is, for example, a smartphone, and is usually operated by a user. The user terminal 30 may be a mobile device such as a tablet or a notebook computer. Although not shown in the figure, the user terminal 30 is configured as a computer equipped with a control unit, a storage unit, and a network IF. Thus, the user terminal 30 can communicate with the server 10 via the network 40. The user terminal 30 may also be equipped with a GPS receiver.

[0020] The network 40 is a communication network that allows the server 10, the vehicle 20, and the user terminal 30 to communicate with each other, and is configured, for example, by the Internet or a carrier network such as a mobile phone network.

[0021] (Example of vehicle dispatch support system 1) FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of using a vehicle dispatch support service using the vehicle dispatch support system 1. In the example shown in FIG. 2, user 30a boards vehicle 20 with luggage at "point 1" at 8:00. Then, user 30a gets off vehicle 20 at "point 2" at 9:00. At this time, the luggage remains on board vehicle 20. User 30a and vehicle 20, who are separated at "point 2" at 9:00, travel along different routes to arrive at "point 5", which is the final destination, at 17:00.

[0022] User 30a shown in FIG. 2 is scheduled to stop at "point 3" at 13:00 on the way to "point 5" which is the final destination, and to stop at "point 4" between 15:30 and 16:00. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 2, user 30a gets off at "point 2", and then travels to "point 5" which is the final destination, via "point 3" and "point 4". In the first embodiment, the planned destination is a place (destination) where the user plans to stop, and in the example shown in FIG. 2, "point 3" and "point 4" are estimated as the planned destination.

[0023] The vehicle 20 travels to the "fifth point" which is the final destination according to the dispatch instruction from the vehicle dispatch support device 100 of the server 10. In the route B shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle 20 travels to the final destination without meeting the user 30a. On the other hand, in the routes A1 and A2 shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle 20 meets the user 30a at the "third point" on the way and hands over the luggage to the user. The vehicle 20 also receives a dispatch instruction (route instruction) from the server 10 to travel near the user 30a within a range that allows the vehicle 20 to arrive at the final destination at the scheduled time. This allows the user 30a to receive the luggage at the desired timing when the user 30a needs to use the luggage.

[0024] As described above, the vehicle dispatch support system 1 is a system that enables a vehicle 20 that delivers luggage to a final destination to hand over the luggage to the user en route after the user gets off the vehicle in response to a dispatch instruction from the server 10.

[0025] Next, an overview of the processing in the vehicle dispatch support system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence diagram shown in Fig. 3. Here, an overview of the services in the vehicle dispatch support system 1 according to the first embodiment will be shown in association with the diagram showing the usage example in Fig. 2, and the details of the processing in the vehicle dispatch support device 100 will be described later with reference to Fig. 4.

[0026] In step S301, a notification of completion of the user's disembarking is sent from the user terminal 30 to the server 10. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 2, when the user disembarks at "point 2" at 9:00, the notification of completion of disembarking is sent from the user terminal 30. Note that the notification of completion of disembarking is not limited to a configuration in which it is sent from the user terminal 30, and may be a configuration in which it is sent from the electronic control unit 200 of the vehicle 20, for example.

[0027] In step S302, baggage information regarding the baggage loaded on the vehicle 20 is sent from the vehicle 20. The baggage information may be sent from the vehicle 20 before the user gets off the vehicle. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the baggage information may be sent from the vehicle 20 when the user gets on the vehicle 20 with the baggage at the "first point". The baggage information is not limited to being sent from the vehicle 20, and may be sent to the server 10 by the user via the user terminal 30, for example. Details of the acquisition of the baggage information in the vehicle 20 will be described later.

[0028] In step S303, user information is sent from the user terminal 30. The user information is information about a user who uses a package, and includes at least user position information indicating the user's current position or destination information indicating the user's planned destination.

[0029] In step S304, the server 10 estimates the planned destination of the user. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 2, at a certain timing (e.g., around 12:00), the planned destination of the user is estimated to be "third point," and at a subsequent timing (e.g., around 15:00), the planned destination of the user is estimated to be "fourth point." That is, the planned destination estimated in step S307 is a place that is likely to be the next stop at a certain timing.

[0030] In step S305, the server 10 transmits to the vehicle 20 a route to a position where the vehicle 20 can wait. Specifically, based on the user information acquired in step S303, the server 10 transmits a route to a position where the vehicle 20 can wait, which is near the user's current position or the planned destination. Note that, if the vehicle 20 is located near the user's current position, the vehicle 20 does not need to stop at a position where the vehicle 20 can wait, and the vehicle 20 may move in accordance with the movement of the user. In other words, the server 10 transmits an appropriate route to the vehicle 20 so that the vehicle 20 travels while keeping a close distance to the user.

[0031] In step S306, the vehicle 20 transmits vehicle position information of the vehicle 20 to the server 10. As described above, the vehicle position information is transmitted to the server 10 at predetermined intervals. In addition, the vehicle position information may be transmitted, for example, before the disembarking completion notification in step S301.

[0032] In step S307, the server 10 identifies a usage area of ​​the luggage loaded on the vehicle 20. In this embodiment, the usage area is an area in which the luggage is expected to be used, and further corresponds to the behavior of the user who uses the luggage (current location or planned destination) or information about the vehicle 20. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 2, when the luggage is a "bodyboard," in a case in which it is expected that the user 30a will travel to a "third point" or a "fourth point" as a planned destination, a coastal area such as the "third point" or the "fourth point" is identified as the usage area.

[0033] In step S308, the server 10 confirms with the user terminal 30 whether or not the user needs to use luggage. For example, in the example of Fig. 2, the server 10 inquires of the user whether or not the user will use a "bodyboard" at the "third point".

[0034] In step S309, a response as to whether the user will use the luggage is sent from the user terminal 30.

[0035] In step S310, the server 10 notifies the user terminal 30 of meeting information. Here, the meeting information is, for example, the place and time where the user and the vehicle 20 meet. The meeting information may also include baggage information to be given to the user. The meeting information notification in step S310 is performed when the user replies in step S309 that he / she wishes to use the baggage. Therefore, when the user replies in step S309 that he / she does not wish to use the baggage, step S310 and step S312 described below are not performed.

[0036] In step S311, the server 10 transmits to the vehicle 20 a route to a meeting point with the user. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 2, information on route A1 is transmitted to the vehicle 20. Note that, in the case where the user responds in step S309 that the user will not use the luggage, the route information transmitted in step S311 is not a route to a meeting point with the user, but a route along which the vehicle travels while maintaining a certain distance from the user. For example, in the case where the user and the vehicle 20 do not meet, information on route B shown in Fig. 2 is transmitted to the vehicle 20.

[0037] In step S312, the user terminal 30 sends a notification to the server 10 that the user has completed receipt of the luggage at the meeting point with the vehicle 20. The notification that the luggage has been received is not limited to a configuration in which the notification is sent from the user terminal 30 to the server 10, but may be a configuration in which the vehicle 20 determines that the luggage transfer has been completed, and the vehicle 20 sends a notification to the server 10 that the luggage transfer has been completed.

[0038] Next, the function of the vehicle allocation assistance device 100 that determines the above-mentioned route will be described in detail.

[0039] (Functional configuration of vehicle dispatch assistance device 100) 4 is a functional block diagram for explaining the functions of the vehicle allocation support device 100. The functions of the vehicle allocation support device 100 will be explained using the functional block diagram shown in FIG.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 110 includes, as functions, a baggage information acquisition unit 111, a user information acquisition unit 112, a destination estimation unit 113, a vehicle information acquisition unit 114, a utilization area specification unit 115, a vehicle allocation determination unit 116, a user IF unit 117, and a vehicle instruction unit 118. The control unit 110 controls the entire server 10, for example, by operating an operation system. Furthermore, the control unit 110 operates based on a program (not shown) stored in the storage unit 120, and executes each of the above-mentioned functions. Note that the program is not limited to being stored in the storage unit 120, and may be configured to be stored in, for example, a ROM (not shown) in the vehicle allocation support device 100.

[0041] The baggage information acquisition unit 111 acquires baggage information related to the baggage loaded on the vehicle 20. Specifically, the baggage information acquisition unit 111 receives the baggage information acquired in the vehicle 20 via the network 40. For example, the vehicle 20 acquires an image of the baggage using a camera provided in the vehicle 20, recognizes the contents of the baggage, and sends the image as baggage information to the vehicle dispatch support device 100 of the server 10. Note that the acquisition of the baggage information in the vehicle 20 is not limited to using a camera. For example, when loading the baggage into the vehicle 20, a tag that specifies the type of baggage may be attached to the baggage in advance, and information may be acquired from the tag using a tag reading device (not shown) provided in the vehicle 20. Furthermore, the vehicle dispatch support device 100 may be configured such that, when using the service, the user inputs baggage information in the user terminal 30, sends the baggage information from the user terminal 30 to the vehicle dispatch support device 100, and receives the baggage information in the baggage information acquisition unit 111. Furthermore, when using the service, the user may directly input information about the package into the server 10, and the package information may be acquired by the package information acquisition unit 111 via the input / output IF .

[0042] The user information acquisition unit 112 acquires user information, which is information about a user who uses a package and includes at least user location information indicating the user's current location or destination information indicating the user's planned destination. Specifically, the user's current location is acquired by a GPS device provided in the user terminal 30 and sent to the user information acquisition unit 112 via the network 40. The user's planned destination is, for example, a planned destination estimated by a destination estimation unit 113 described later. In addition, when using the vehicle dispatch service according to the first embodiment, the user may submit action plan information to the system. For example, FIG. 6 shows an example of action plan information indicating the user's action plan as user information. That is, based on this action plan information, it becomes possible to estimate the user's location at a certain timing, and the user information acquisition unit 112 may acquire user location information indicating the user's location based on the action plan information.

[0043] The destination estimation unit 113 estimates the planned destination of the user who uses the luggage. Specifically, the destination estimation unit 113 estimates the planned destination based on the user's location at a certain timing and / or the user's schedule to which the user is currently heading. For example, the destination estimation unit 113 estimates the planned destination based on the user's location information acquired by the user information acquisition unit 112. Alternatively, the destination estimation unit 113 may estimate the planned destination based on action plan information (schedule) indicating the user's action plan as shown in FIG. 6. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 2, at a certain timing (e.g., around 12:00), the user's planned destination is estimated to be the "third point," and at a subsequent timing (e.g., around 15:00), the user's planned destination is estimated to be the "fourth point."

[0044] The vehicle information acquisition unit 114 acquires vehicle information including vehicle position information indicating the position of the vehicle 20. Specifically, the vehicle information acquisition unit 114 acquires the vehicle position information by accepting position information sent from the vehicle 20. As described above, the vehicle 20 is equipped with a GPS device, and the GPS device acquires the position information of the vehicle 20 and sends it to the control unit of the electronic control unit 200. The control unit of the electronic control unit 200 stores the position information of the vehicle 20 in a storage unit. In addition, the control unit of the electronic control unit 200 sends the position information of the vehicle 20 stored in the storage unit to the server 10 at a predetermined timing.

[0045] The utilization area identification unit 115 identifies the utilization area in which the luggage will be used based on the luggage information and the user information or vehicle information. In the first embodiment, the utilization area is identified by storing in advance in the memory unit 120 a reference table that associates luggage information with the estimated location of luggage use, and identifying the utilization area based on the reference table. In the first embodiment, the estimated utilization location is an abstract location where the luggage is estimated to be used. By using the memory unit 120 that associates luggage with the estimated utilization location, the utilization area identification unit 115 can narrow down to some extent the locations where the luggage will be used, and can identify the utilization area more appropriately.

[0046] Fig. 5 shows an example of a reference table that associates baggage information with an estimated place of use. In the reference table shown in Fig. 5, for example, when the baggage is a "bodyboard", the estimated place of use is registered as "swimming beach". Also, in Fig. 5, for example, when the baggage is a "simple tent", the estimated place of use is registered as "swimming beach" and "park".

[0047] In this embodiment, the usage area is identified based on the estimated usage location and the user information acquired by the user information acquisition unit 112 or the vehicle information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit 114. When the user's activity schedule information is acquired, for example, the user information related to the user is identified based on the activity schedule information. For example, when information is acquired that the user will stop at "third location" and "fourth location" between 13:00 and 16:00, the usage area is identified as "third location" and "fourth location" from the estimated usage location "swimming beach."

[0048] In addition, the user information may be, for example, information about the user's location. In this case, for example, when the user's location information indicates that the user is near the "third location" or the "fourth location," the usage area is specified as the "third location" and / or the "fourth location" from the "swimming beach" of the estimated usage location.

[0049] Furthermore, for example, when the vehicle 20 is traveling near the estimated usage location, the estimated usage location may be specified as the usage area based on the vehicle information. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 2, when the vehicle 20 is traveling near the "third location" and the "fourth location", the "third location" and / or the "fourth location" which are "swimming beach" are specified as the usage area. When the usage area is specified based on the user's position information, if the vehicle 20 is not traveling near the user due to traffic conditions or the like, it is assumed that it is difficult to appropriately merge the vehicle 20 even if the user wishes to use the luggage. Therefore, by specifying the usage area based on the position information of the vehicle 20, the vehicle 20 traveling near the user can be reliably merged at the user's planned destination when the user wishes to use the luggage.

[0050] The vehicle allocation determination unit 116 determines a vehicle allocation route (vehicle allocation path) for allocating the vehicle 20 to the destination based on the positional relationship between the user's current location or the planned destination and the utilization area. Specifically, for example, when the user's current location or the planned destination is included within a predetermined range from the identified utilization area, the vehicle allocation determination unit 116 inquires the user as to whether or not to use the luggage at the current location or the planned destination. In this embodiment, the predetermined range is, for example, a circular range with a radius of 1 km or less centered on the utilization area. However, the predetermined range does not limit the configuration of this embodiment, and may be a range shorter or longer than a radius of 1 km centered on the utilization area. The inquiry to the user is sent to the user terminal 30 via the user IF unit 117, which is information on whether or not to use the luggage. The information sent to the user terminal 30 is displayed on a screen such as that shown in FIG. 7. The user responds to the inquiry information displayed on the user terminal 30 as to whether or not to use the luggage. The user's response at the user terminal 30 is sent from the user terminal 30 to the server 10 via the network 40. The user's answer sent to the server 10 is sent to the vehicle allocation determination unit 116 via the network IF 140 and the user IF unit 117 .

[0051] The vehicle allocation determination unit 116 determines a route according to the response from the user. If the user responds that they will use the luggage, a vehicle allocation route for moving the vehicle 20 to the user is determined. For example, the vehicle allocation route corresponds to routes A1 and A2 shown in FIG. 2. On the other hand, if the user responds that they do not plan to use the luggage, the vehicle 20 is not moved to the user's location, and a vehicle allocation route that takes into account the time allocation to the final destination is determined. The vehicle allocation route in this case is, for example, route B shown in FIG. 2.

[0052] Furthermore, when determining a vehicle allocation route for moving the vehicle 20 to the user, the vehicle allocation determination unit 116 determines a vehicle allocation route to a meeting place with the user based on the user information. When meeting with the user, the vehicle allocation determination unit 116 determines a vehicle allocation route based on the user information so that the vehicle 20 arrives at the meeting place, which is the user's destination, at the time of arrival at the meeting place or after arriving at the meeting place. This makes it possible to prevent unnecessary energy consumption of the vehicle 20 at the meeting place.

[0053] The vehicle allocation determination unit 116 notifies the user terminal 30 of the meeting information via the user IF unit 117. Here, the meeting information is, for example, the place and time where the user and the vehicle 20 meet. The meeting information may also include baggage information regarding baggage to be handed over to the user.

[0054] The vehicle instruction unit 118 sends control instructions corresponding to the vehicle allocation route to the vehicle 20, and controls the vehicle 20. The electronic control unit 200 of the vehicle 20 controls the traveling of the vehicle 20 according to the control instructions sent from the vehicle allocation support device 100.

[0055] (Outline of processing flow of vehicle dispatch support device 100) Next, the process related to the dispatch support in the dispatch support device 100 (dispatch support method) will be described based on the flowchart in Fig. 8. Note that the process in the flowchart in Fig. 8 also ends when the power is turned off or an interrupt is issued to end the process. In addition, in the following description of the flowchart, the same contents as those described in the above description of the dispatch support device 100 will be omitted or simplified.

[0056] In step S801, the vehicle dispatch support device 100 judges whether the user has completed disembarking. Specifically, the user who has disembarked notifies the server 10 of disembarking through the user terminal 30, and the vehicle dispatch support device 100 judges whether the user has completed disembarking. The configuration is not limited to the user terminal 30 notifying the user of the user's disembarking, and may be, for example, a configuration in which the electronic control unit 200 of the vehicle 20 notifies the user. Specifically, the vehicle dispatch support device 100 may judge whether the user has completed disembarking based on information indicating that the user has disembarked, which is sent from the electronic control unit 200 of the vehicle 20. In this case, the electronic control unit 200 may detect the user's disembarking based on a sensor (not shown) provided in the vehicle 20, and send information indicating that the user has disembarked to the server 10. Alternatively, the vehicle dispatch support device 100 may detect the user's disembarking based on the user's position information and the vehicle's position information acquired by the user information acquisition unit 112 and the vehicle information acquisition unit 114, respectively. In this case, when the user's position moves away from the position of the vehicle 20, it is detected that the user has disembarked.

[0057] In step S801, if the vehicle-dispatch support device 100 determines that the user has completed disembarking (step S801: YES), the process proceeds to step S802. On the other hand, in step S801, if the vehicle-dispatch support device 100 determines that the user has not completed disembarking (step S801: NO), the process returns to step S801. That is, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, the process starts after waiting for the user to disembark.

[0058] In step S802, the baggage information acquisition unit 111 acquires baggage information related to the baggage loaded on the vehicle 20.

[0059] In step S803, the user information acquisition unit 112 acquires user information related to the user. The user information is information related to the user who uses the luggage, and includes at least user position information indicating the user's position or destination information indicating the user's planned destination.

[0060] In step S804, the destination estimation unit 113 estimates the destination of the user who uses the luggage. Specifically, the destination estimation unit 113 estimates the planned destination based on the user's location at a certain time and / or the user's schedule to which the user is currently heading. For example, the destination estimation unit 113 estimates the planned destination based on the user's location information acquired by the user information acquisition unit 112. Alternatively, as described above, the destination estimation unit 113 may estimate the destination based on the schedule in FIG. 6.

[0061] In step S805, the vehicle information acquisition unit 114 acquires vehicle information including vehicle position information indicating the position of the vehicle 20. Specifically, the vehicle information acquisition unit 114 acquires the vehicle position information by accepting the position information transmitted from the vehicle 20.

[0062] In step S806, the utilization area identification unit 115 identifies the utilization area in which the luggage is used based on the luggage information and the user information or the vehicle information. In the first embodiment, the utilization area is identified by storing in advance in the storage unit 120 a reference table indicating the correspondence between the luggage information and the estimated utilization location of the luggage, and identifying the utilization area based on the estimated utilization location in the reference table and the user information or the vehicle information.

[0063] In step S807, the vehicle allocation determination unit 116 determines whether the user's current location acquired by the user information acquisition unit 112 or the user's planned destination estimated by the destination estimation unit 113 is within a predetermined range of the utilization area identified by the utilization area identification unit 115. In step S807, if the vehicle allocation determination unit 116 determines that the user's current location or the planned destination is within the predetermined range of the utilization area (step S807: YES), the process proceeds to step S808. On the other hand, in step S807, if the vehicle allocation determination unit 116 determines that the user's current location or the planned destination is not within the utilization area (step S807: NO), the process returns to step S803 and repeats the processes from step S803 to step S807. That is, the processes from step S803 to step S807 are repeated until the user's current location or the planned destination is included within the predetermined range of the utilization area. In addition, when the time has passed during which it is estimated that the user is within a specified range of the usage area, the vehicle dispatch determination unit 116 will not determine a vehicle dispatch route to the user's destination, but will determine a vehicle dispatch route to the final destination (not shown).

[0064] In step S808, the vehicle dispatch determination unit 116 inquires of the user whether or not to use the luggage. Specifically, information inquiring of whether or not to use the luggage is sent to the user terminal 30, and an inquiry screen as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the user terminal 30. The user answers whether or not to use the luggage according to the screen displayed on the user terminal 30. Note that the inquiry to the user in step S808 is not limited to the first embodiment. For example, if the user wishes to use the luggage at the planned destination, the user may send a request for using the luggage to the server 10 through the user terminal 30. In this case, the above-mentioned response to the effect that the luggage will be used corresponds to a request from the user to use the luggage, and the process related to the joining of the vehicle 20 is performed from step S809 onward.

[0065] In step S809, the vehicle allocation determination unit 116 determines a vehicle allocation route for the vehicle 20 based on the response from the user. Specifically, if the user terminal 30 responds that the luggage will be used, the vehicle allocation determination unit 116 determines a vehicle allocation route for moving the vehicle 20 to the user. On the other hand, if the user terminal 30 responds that the luggage will not be used, the vehicle allocation determination unit 116 does not move the vehicle 20 to the user, and determines a vehicle allocation route that takes into account the time allocation to the final destination.

[0066] In step S810, the vehicle allocation determination unit 116 determines whether or not the user uses luggage. In step S810, if the vehicle allocation determination unit 116 determines that the user uses luggage (step S810: YES), the process proceeds to step S811. On the other hand, in step S810, if the vehicle allocation determination unit 116 determines that the user does not use luggage (step S810: NO), the process proceeds to step S812.

[0067] In step S811, the vehicle allocation determination unit 116 notifies (transmits) to the user terminal 30 via the user IF unit 117 meeting information (location, time, luggage, etc.) for baggage delivery.

[0068] In step S812, the vehicle instruction unit 118 transmits the determined vehicle allocation route to the vehicle 20. The electronic control unit 200 of the vehicle 20 controls the driving of the vehicle 20 in accordance with the instruction from the vehicle instruction unit 118, and drives the vehicle 20 to a predetermined destination. By transmitting the determined vehicle allocation route from the vehicle instruction unit 118 to the vehicle 20 and controlling the driving of the vehicle 20, the vehicle 20 can be flexibly controlled depending on the location of the user, the location of the vehicle 20, or the situation of whether or not to pick up luggage, enabling efficient vehicle allocation.

[0069] (Action and effect) As described above, according to the first embodiment, the following advantageous effects can be obtained.

[0070] The vehicle dispatch support device 100 includes a baggage information acquisition unit 111, a user information acquisition unit 112, a vehicle information acquisition unit 114, a utilization area specification unit 115, and a vehicle dispatch determination unit 116. The baggage information acquisition unit 111 acquires baggage information related to the baggage loaded on the vehicle. The user information acquisition unit 112 acquires user information including at least user position information indicating the user's current position or destination information indicating the user's planned destination. The vehicle information acquisition unit 114 acquires vehicle information including vehicle position information indicating the vehicle's position. The utilization area specification unit 115 specifies the utilization area in which the baggage is used, based on the baggage information and the user information or the vehicle information. The vehicle dispatch determination unit 116 determines a vehicle dispatch route for dispatching a vehicle to at least one of the user's current position, the planned destination, or the utilization area, based on the positional relationship between the user position information or the destination information and the utilization area. As a result, when the user is highly likely to use the baggage loaded on the vehicle, the user can receive the baggage at the location where the baggage is used, thereby reducing the effort required to receive the baggage and reducing unnecessary energy consumption.

[0071] In addition, the vehicle dispatch determination unit 116 determines a vehicle dispatch route when the user's current location or planned destination is within a predetermined range of the utilization area. This enables the user to receive the package more quickly and efficiently, reduces the effort required to receive the package, and reduces unnecessary energy consumption.

[0072] The vehicle dispatch assistance device 100 also includes a storage unit 120 that stores baggage information and an estimated use location indicating a location where the baggage will be used in association with each other. The utilization area identification unit 115 identifies the utilization area based on the estimated use location and the user information. By using the storage unit 120 that associates the baggage with the estimated use location, the utilization area identification unit 115 can narrow down the locations where the baggage will be used to some extent, and can more appropriately identify the utilization area.

[0073] Furthermore, the vehicle instruction unit 118 controls the vehicle 20 by sending a control instruction to the vehicle 20 so that the vehicle 20 travels along the vehicle dispatch route. This allows the vehicle 20 to be flexibly controlled depending on the location of the user and the vehicle 20, and the situation of whether or not to pick up luggage, enabling efficient dispatch.

[0074] Furthermore, when the user has not yet arrived at the destination, the vehicle allocation determination unit 116 predicts the time at which the user will arrive at the destination and determines a vehicle allocation route so that the vehicle will arrive at the destination (meeting point) at or after the time the user arrives at the destination. This makes it possible to prevent unnecessary energy consumption by the vehicle 20 at the meeting point.

[0075] In addition, the utilization area specification unit 115 specifies the utilization area based on the luggage information and the vehicle position indicated by the vehicle position information. By specifying the utilization area based on the vehicle position information, when the user wishes to use the luggage, the vehicle 20 traveling near the user can be reliably made to meet the user's destination.

[0076] Furthermore, the user information may include activity schedule information indicating the user's activity schedule. The destination estimation unit 113 estimates the destination based on the activity schedule information, thereby making it possible to grasp the user's activity more accurately and to appropriately estimate the destination.

[0077] Second embodiment As described above, one specific embodiment has been described, but the above-mentioned embodiment is merely an example and does not limit the present embodiment. For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, a vehicle dispatch service configuration is exemplified in which the use of luggage is proposed to a user heading to a planned destination, and if necessary, the user can use luggage that is being provided by the service on the way. Here, a vehicle dispatch support system 1 according to a second embodiment in which a vehicle dispatch support device 100 predicts a user who has entered an arbitrary area and the demand of the user to dispatch a vehicle 20 will be described with respect to a configuration different from that of the first embodiment.

[0078] Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining a service using the vehicle dispatch support device 100 according to the second embodiment. The service shown in Fig. 9 predicts a user who has entered an arbitrary area and the demand of the user, and dispatches a vehicle 20 carrying luggage that satisfies the demand of the user to an appropriate location.

[0079] In addition, based on the location information of the vehicle 20 providing the service, multiple usage areas in which the user uses the service are identified, at least one user is detected within a predetermined range of the usage area, and the vehicle 20 is dispatched to the usage area in which the user is detected.

[0080] For example, in Fig. 9, a user 30b is shown heading to a beach or BBQ area along the coast, and a user 30c is shown fishing in a fishing area that is a planned destination.

[0081] An outline of the processing in the vehicle dispatch support system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described according to the sequence diagram shown in Fig. 10. Here, an outline of the service in the vehicle dispatch support system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described in association with the example diagram in Fig. 9.

[0082] In step S1001, baggage information regarding baggage loaded on the vehicle 20 is transmitted from the vehicle 20. As shown in Fig. 11, it is assumed that the baggage information of the loaded baggage and the estimated usage location are predetermined for the vehicle 20 in the second embodiment depending on the type of the service.

[0083] 11 shows baggage information according to the type of vehicle 20 in the second embodiment and an estimated location of use corresponding to the baggage information. For example, in the second embodiment, when the service vehicle is a sales vehicle, the baggage carried therein corresponds to food ingredients, lunch boxes, a change of clothes, fishing bait, etc. Also, the estimated location of use of each baggage corresponds to a beach, a BBQ spot, a fishing spot, etc.

[0084] In addition, if the service vehicle is a rental goods providing vehicle, the loaded goods include parasols, swimsuits, swim rings, simple tents, clam digging shovels, etc. In addition, the estimated places where each goods will be used are the same as in the case of the sales vehicle, such as beaches, BBQ areas, fishing spots, etc.

[0085] In the vehicle dispatch support system 1 in the second embodiment, the vehicle dispatch support device 100 predicts the demand of a user and transports luggage that is expected to be needed by the user to a planned destination to which the user is heading or to a location where the user has already arrived (current location) by the vehicle 20. Furthermore, the vehicle 20 sells or rents luggage to the user at the planned destination.

[0086] In step S1002, user information is sent from the user terminal 30. The user information is information about a user who is estimated to use the luggage, and includes at least user location information indicating the user's location or destination information indicating the user's planned destination. In the second embodiment, the user may use, for example, the service of the vehicle dispatch support system 1. In this case, for example, the user may apply for use of the service in advance and register user information. Alternatively, the server 10 may be configured to collect usage history information, which is information indicating that the user has used this service in the past. In addition, in the second embodiment, the user information may include attribute information indicating the user's attributes, such as age and sex. Note that the attribute information is, for example, input information input by the user to the user terminal 30. Alternatively, the attribute information may be acquired, for example, by a vehicle sensor.

[0087] In step S1003, the server 10 estimates the planned destination of the user based on the user information. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 9, the user's destination is estimated as "destination A" for the user 30b as the planned destination, and as "destination B" for the user 30c as the planned destination. Here, the user information used to estimate the planned destination includes action plan information indicating the user's action plan, and usage history information indicating the user's past service usage history. Note that in the second embodiment, the action plan information and usage history information are assumed to have been input in advance by the user through the user terminal 30. In addition, the user information may be, for example, information obtained by estimating the location to which the user is heading from the user's location information, and estimating this as the planned destination.

[0088] In step S1004, the vehicle 20 transmits the location information of the vehicle 20 to the server 10. The location information of the vehicle 20 is assumed to be transmitted to the server 10 at a predetermined interval. The location information of the vehicle 20 may be transmitted, for example, before the notification of the baggage information in step S1001.

[0089] In step S1005, the server 10 identifies the usage area of ​​the luggage loaded on the vehicle 20. In the second embodiment, the usage area is identified based on the usage estimated location estimated according to the luggage and the user information or vehicle information related to the user. For example, when the user's activity schedule information is acquired, the user information related to the user is identified based on the activity schedule information. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 9, when the information is acquired that the user 30b is going to "Destination A", the usage area A indicating the area of ​​"swimming beach" or "BBQ area" is identified as the usage area. In the example shown in FIG. 9, when the information is acquired that the user 30c is going to fish at "Destination B", the usage area B indicating the area of ​​"fishing spot" is identified as the usage area.

[0090] In step S1006, the server 10 checks with the user terminal 30 whether or not the user needs to use luggage. For example, in the example of Fig. 9, the server 10 inquires of the user 30b whether or not the user needs a "lunch box" at the "swimming beach." Also, in the example of Fig. 9, the server 10 inquires of the user 30c whether or not the user needs a "parasol" at the "fishing spot."

[0091] In step S1007, a response as to whether or not the luggage is to be used is sent from the user terminal 30.

[0092] In step S1008, the server 10 notifies the user terminal 30 of meeting information. Here, the meeting information is, for example, the place and time where the user and the vehicle 20 meet. The meeting information may also include baggage information to be handed over to the user. The meeting information notification in step S1008 is performed if the user replies in step S1007 that he / she wishes to use the baggage. Therefore, if the user replies in step S1008 that he / she does not wish to use the baggage, step S1008 and step S1010 described below are not performed.

[0093] In step S1009, the server 10 transmits a route to a meeting point with the user to the vehicle 20. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 9, route information to destination A is transmitted to the vehicle 20. Note that the transmission of route information in step S1009 does not need to be performed if the user responds in step S1008 that the user does not wish to use the luggage.

[0094] In step S1010, the user terminal 30 notifies the server 10 that the user has completed receipt of the luggage at the meeting point with the vehicle 20. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 9, a notification is sent that the user has purchased the desired product from a sales vehicle or received a rental item from a rental item providing vehicle.

[0095] In addition, the processes performed between the server 10 and the user terminal 30 in steps S1006 to S1008 and step S1010 in FIG. 10 are optional, and it is also possible to adopt a form in which these processes are not implemented. For example, after the server 10 estimates the destination in step S1005 of the server 10, the server 10 may transmit a route to the destination in step S1009 without confirming with the user, and drive the vehicle 20 to the destination. For example, in a case where there are multiple target users and multiple destinations are estimated, the user's answer may not be used to determine the vehicle allocation route, and the vehicle 20 may be preferentially driven to a destination with a large number of users. Furthermore, for example, the server 10 may be configured to drive the vehicle 20 so as to pass through a point with a large number of users and then pass through a point with a small number of users. In this way, the vehicle allocation determination unit 116 can determine an efficient vehicle allocation route.

[0096] (Outline of the processing flow of the vehicle dispatch assistance device 100) Next, the process (vehicle dispatch support method) related to the vehicle dispatch support in the second embodiment will be described based on the flowchart in Fig. 12. Note that the process in the flowchart in Fig. 12 ends when the power is turned off or an interrupt is issued to end the process. In addition, in the following description of the flowchart, the same contents as those described in the description of the sequence diagram shown in Fig. 10 above will be omitted or simplified.

[0097] In step S1201, the baggage information acquisition unit 111 acquires baggage information. Specifically, the baggage information acquisition unit 111 acquires baggage information by inputting and registering in advance baggage that is loaded on the service vehicle, among the baggage that corresponds to the service vehicle, as shown in FIG.

[0098] In step S1202, the user information acquisition unit 112 acquires user information related to the user. The user information is information about a user who is expected to use the luggage, and includes at least user location information indicating the user's location or destination information indicating the user's planned destination. The user information acquisition unit 112 in the second embodiment may acquire user information from a specific user's planned action information (schedule) or past movement history information. The user information may include usage history information indicating that the service has been used in the past, and attribute information indicating the user's attributes such as age and sex. For example, in a case where a user applies for use of the service in advance, the user information may be registered information registered at the time of the application. The user information may be, for example, input information input by the user in the user terminal 30. The attribute information may be, for example, detection information detected by a vehicle sensor, or detection information detected by infrastructure such as a camera installed on a road or the like. The user information detected by the infrastructure may be directly acquired from the infrastructure, not from the user terminal 30, or may be information acquired by the same or different server as the server 10 via the infrastructure.

[0099] In step S1203, the destination estimation unit 113 estimates the destination of the user who uses the luggage. Specifically, the destination estimation unit 113 estimates the planned destination based on the user's current location at a certain timing and / or the user's schedule to which the user is currently heading. For example, the destination estimation unit 113 estimates the planned destination based on the user's location information acquired by the user information acquisition unit 112. The destination estimation unit 113 may also estimate the planned destination based on user information. The user information used in estimating the planned destination here may be, for example, the user's planned activity information, usage history information, or attribute information.

[0100] In step S1204, the vehicle information acquisition unit 114 acquires vehicle information including vehicle position information indicating the position of the vehicle 20. Specifically, the vehicle information acquisition unit 114 acquires the vehicle position information by accepting the position information transmitted from the vehicle 20.

[0101] In step S1205, the usage area identification unit 115 identifies the usage area. Specifically, the usage area identification unit 115 identifies the usage area based on the user information or vehicle information of the target user and the usage estimated location estimated based on the baggage information. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 9, it is determined that the target user 30b is heading to the "beach" of destination A based on the location information of the target user 30b. Furthermore, in the case where the vehicle 20 is a sales vehicle shown in FIG. 11 and is carrying "lunch boxes" as baggage, the usage area is identified as the "beach" of the usage area A.

[0102] 9, based on the location information of the target user 30c, it is determined that the target user 30c is in a "fishing spot" at destination B. Furthermore, in the case where the vehicle 20 is loaded with a "parasol" as a rental item shown in FIG. 11, the usage area is identified as the "fishing spot" of usage area B.

[0103] In step S1206, the user information acquisition unit 112 determines whether or not a user is detected in the utilization area. 1206 In step S 1206 :YES) step S 1207 On the other hand, step S 1206 In step S 1206 If the answer is NO, the process returns to step S1202.

[0104] For example, in the example shown in FIG. 9, since the user 30b has not yet reached the utilization area A, step S 1206In step S1202, it is determined that the user has not been detected in the utilization area, and the process returns to step S1202. 1206 In step S, it is determined that a user has been detected in the utilization area. 1207 Proceed to step S. 1206 In determining whether a user is detected within the range of the usage area, the user may determine whether at least one user using the service of the second embodiment is within the range of the usage area.

[0105] In step S1207, the vehicle allocation determination unit 116 determines whether the planned destination is within a predetermined range of the utilization area. In step S1207, if the vehicle allocation determination unit 116 determines that the planned destination is within the predetermined range of the utilization area (step S1207: YES), the process proceeds to step S1208. On the other hand, in step S1207, if the vehicle allocation determination unit 116 determines that the user's current position or the planned destination is not within the predetermined range of the utilization area (step S1207: NO), the process returns to step S1202 and acquires user information.

[0106] For example, in the example shown in FIG. 9, if the planned destination of user 30b is destination B, which is a "fishing spot," destination B is not within the specified range of the usage area A identified in step S1203, so the process returns to step S1202 and the user information is obtained again.

[0107] In step S1208, the vehicle allocation determination unit 116 determines a vehicle allocation route. Specifically, the vehicle allocation determination unit 116 determines a vehicle allocation route (vehicle allocation route) so that the vehicle 20 travels to the user's current position, the planned destination, or the utilization area. The vehicle allocation route determined in step S1208 may include information on the timing of arrival at the planned destination. For example, when the user information acquisition unit 112 acquires user information of a user who uses the vehicle allocation support service according to the second embodiment, the vehicle allocation route may be determined so that the vehicle 20 arrives at the planned destination in accordance with the timing of the user's arrival at the planned destination. In addition, when the user information acquisition unit 112 acquires user information on a plurality of users who use the vehicle allocation support service according to the second embodiment, the vehicle allocation route may be determined in accordance with a destination with a large number of users. Furthermore, when the user information on a plurality of users is acquired, the vehicle allocation route may be determined in accordance with the timing of a certain number of users arriving at the destination. Furthermore, the vehicle allocation determination unit 116 may determine a vehicle allocation route based on the distance from the vehicle 20, which is determined by the vehicle position information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit 114, to the current location of the user or the planned destination of the user. For example, an efficient vehicle allocation route can be determined by having the vehicle 20 pass through a nearby point where the user is located and then pass through a distant destination where the user is located.

[0108] The vehicle dispatch determination unit 116 may also determine a vehicle dispatch route to the scheduled destination based on the user's usage history information. For example, when the vehicle dispatch determination unit 116 determines that the user has not used the target luggage at the estimated scheduled destination within a certain predetermined time, the vehicle dispatch determination unit 116 may determine a vehicle dispatch route to the scheduled destination. This is because, for example, when the vehicle 20 is a sales vehicle shown in FIG. 11 and is loaded with a "lunch box" as luggage, it is estimated that a user who has purchased a "lunch box" using this sales vehicle is unlikely to purchase a lunch box again within the predetermined time. The predetermined time differs depending on the luggage, and in the case of a "lunch box," for example, the predetermined time may be set to one day. This makes it possible to reduce the dispatch of the vehicle 20 to users who are unlikely to purchase, for example, and thus reduce wasteful energy consumption.

[0109] The vehicle allocation determination unit 116 may also determine a vehicle allocation route to a planned destination based on user attribute information. For example, when a user is in his / her teens or twenties and the cargo loaded on the vehicle 20 is a product or rental product targeted at younger generations, the vehicle allocation determination unit 116 may determine a vehicle allocation route for these users. This makes it possible to allocate the vehicle 20 to a user who is likely to purchase or rent the vehicle, thereby improving the efficiency of vehicle allocation.

[0110] In step S1209, the vehicle instruction unit 118 transmits the determined vehicle dispatch route to the vehicle 20. The electronic control unit 200 of the vehicle 20 controls the driving of the vehicle 20 in accordance with the instruction from the vehicle instruction unit 118, and drives the vehicle 20 to the predetermined destination.

[0111] (Action and effect) As described above, according to the second embodiment, the following advantageous effects can be obtained.

[0112] The vehicle dispatch support device 100 according to the second embodiment predicts user demand based on user information, and dispatches the vehicle 20 to a destination where the user is likely to use (purchase or rent) the cargo loaded in the vehicle 20. This makes it possible to appropriately dispatch the vehicle 20 in response to user demand, and enables sales vehicles and rental item providing vehicles to efficiently sell or provide rental items at appropriate destinations, thereby reducing wasteful energy consumption to the destination.

[0113] In addition, the vehicle allocation determination unit 116 according to the second embodiment determines a vehicle allocation route based on the number of users or the distance from the vehicle to the destination when there are multiple users and multiple destinations are estimated. This makes it possible to preferentially allocate the vehicle 20 to a location with a larger number of users, for example, and to efficiently sell products or provide rental items. In addition, the vehicle allocation determination unit 116 may determine a vehicle allocation route based on the distance from the vehicle 20, which is determined by the vehicle position information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit 114, to the current location of the user or the planned destination of the user. For example, an efficient vehicle allocation route can be determined by having the vehicle 20 pass through a nearby point where the user is located and then pass through a distant destination where the user is located.

[0114] Furthermore, the user information according to the second embodiment may be usage history information of the user's vehicle 20. In this case, the destination estimation unit 113 may estimate the destination according to the usage history information. The destination estimation unit 113 estimates the destination based on the usage history information, which is information on past usage of the service by the user, thereby enabling more accurate estimation of the destination based on the user's tendency.

[0115] Furthermore, the vehicle dispatch determination unit 116 may determine a vehicle dispatch route when it is determined that the user has not used the luggage at the destination within a predetermined time based on the usage history information. This makes it possible to reduce the dispatch of the vehicle 20 to the location of a user who is unlikely to make a purchase, for example, and thus reduce wasteful energy consumption.

[0116] Moreover, the user information according to the second embodiment may include attribute information indicating the attributes of the user. The destination estimation unit 113 may estimate the destination based on the attribute information. This makes it possible to dispatch the vehicle 20 to a user who is likely to purchase or rent the vehicle, thereby making it possible to improve the efficiency of dispatching the vehicle.

[0117] Furthermore, the attribute information may include at least one of input information input by a user, detection information of a vehicle sensor or infrastructure, or registered information registered in advance. This allows more detailed user attribute information to be acquired, and the vehicle allocation determination unit 116 can determine a more appropriate vehicle allocation route.

[0118] (Other embodiments) As described above, the embodiment of the present invention has been described, but the description and drawings forming a part of this disclosure should not be understood as limiting this invention. From this disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples and operating techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0119] In the above embodiment, the vehicle 20 is an autonomous vehicle, but this does not limit the embodiment. For example, the vehicle 20 may be driven by a driver according to a dispatch route instruction from the server 10.

[0120] The scope of this embodiment includes a computer program (vehicle dispatch assistance program) that causes a computer to execute the vehicle dispatch assistance method described above, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded. Any type of computer-readable recording medium may be used. The computer program described above is not limited to one recorded on the recording medium described above, and may be one transmitted via a telecommunications line, a wireless or wired communication line, a network such as the Internet, or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 1. Vehicle dispatch support system 10 Server 20 Vehicles 30 User terminals 40 Network 100 Vehicle dispatching support device 110 Control section 111 Baggage Information Acquisition Department 112 User information acquisition unit 113 Destination Estimation Department 114 Vehicle Information Acquisition Unit 115 Usage area identification part 116 Vehicle Allocation Department 117 User IF section 118 Vehicle Control Unit 120 Storage section 130 Input / Output Interface 140 Network Interface

Claims

1. a baggage information acquisition unit that acquires baggage information related to baggage loaded in the vehicle; a user information acquiring unit that acquires user information, the user information including at least user position information indicating a current position of the user or destination information indicating a planned destination of the user; a vehicle information acquisition unit that acquires vehicle information including vehicle position information indicating a position of the vehicle; a utilization area specification unit that specifies a utilization area in which the luggage will be used, based on information corresponding to the luggage, the utilization estimated location in which the luggage will be used, and the user information or the vehicle information; A vehicle dispatch support device comprising: a vehicle dispatch determination unit that determines a vehicle dispatch route for dispatching the vehicle to at least one of the user's current location, the planned destination, or the utilization area based on the positional relationship between the user position information or the destination information and the utilization area.

2. 2. The vehicle dispatch support device of claim 1, wherein when the vehicle dispatch determination unit determines, based on a positional relationship between the user position information or the destination information and the utilization area, that the user's current position or the planned destination is within a predetermined range of the utilization area, the vehicle dispatch determination unit sends information to the user terminal of the user inquiring whether or not to use the luggage, and when the user terminal responds that the user will use the luggage, the vehicle dispatch determination unit determines a vehicle dispatch route for dispatching the vehicle to at least one of the user's current position, the planned destination, or the utilization area.

3. 2. The vehicle dispatch support device according to claim 1, wherein, when the vehicle dispatch determination unit determines, based on a positional relationship between the user position information or the destination information and the utilization area, that the user's current location or the planned destination is within a predetermined range of the utilization area, it sends information to the user terminal of the user inquiring whether or not to use the luggage, and when the user terminal responds that the user will use the luggage, it determines a vehicle dispatch route for dispatching the vehicle to at least one of the user's current location, the planned destination, or the utilization area, and when the user terminal responds that the user will not use the luggage, it determines a vehicle dispatch route for dispatching the vehicle to the final destination of the luggage.

4. The vehicle dispatch support device according to claim 1 , wherein the vehicle dispatch determination unit determines the vehicle dispatch route when the current location or the planned destination of the user is within a predetermined range of the utilization area.

5. The vehicle dispatch assistance device according to claim 1 , further comprising a vehicle instruction unit that controls the vehicle by sending a control instruction to the vehicle so that the vehicle travels along the vehicle dispatch route.

6. 6. The vehicle dispatch support device according to claim 1, wherein, when the user has not arrived at the planned destination, the vehicle dispatch determination unit predicts a time at which the user will arrive at the planned destination, and determines the vehicle dispatch route so that the vehicle will arrive at the planned destination at or after the time at which the user arrives at the planned destination.

7. 7. The vehicle dispatch support device according to claim 1, wherein when there are multiple users and multiple planned destinations are acquired, the vehicle dispatch determination unit determines the vehicle dispatch route based on the number of users or the distance from the vehicle to the planned destination.

8. The vehicle dispatch support device according to claim 1 , wherein the utilization area specification unit specifies the utilization area based on the baggage information and a position of the vehicle indicated by the vehicle position information.

9. A destination estimation unit that estimates the planned destination of the user, The user information further includes usage history information of the user with respect to the vehicle, The vehicle dispatch support device according to claim 1 , wherein the destination estimation unit estimates the planned destination in accordance with the usage history information.

10. The vehicle dispatch support device according to claim 9, wherein the vehicle dispatch determination unit determines the vehicle dispatch route when it determines, based on the usage history information, that the user has not used the luggage at the planned destination within a predetermined time period.

11. The user information further includes action schedule information indicating an action schedule of the user, The vehicle dispatch support device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the destination estimation unit estimates the planned destination based on the activity plan information.

12. The user information further includes attribute information indicating attributes of the user, The vehicle dispatch support device according to claim 9 , wherein the destination estimation unit estimates the planned destination based on the attribute information.

13. The vehicle dispatch assistance device according to claim 12 , wherein the attribute information includes at least one of input information input by the user, detection information of a vehicle sensor or infrastructure, or registered information registered in advance.

14. A vehicle dispatch assistance method executed by a computer, comprising: Acquire luggage information regarding luggage loaded in the vehicle; acquiring user information about a user, the user information including at least user position information indicating a current position of the user or destination information indicating a planned destination of the user; acquiring vehicle information including vehicle position information indicating a position of the vehicle; Identifying a usage area in which the luggage will be used based on information corresponding to the luggage, the usage estimated location in which the luggage will be used, and the user information or the vehicle information; A vehicle dispatch support method that determines a vehicle dispatch route for dispatching the vehicle to at least one of the user's current location, the planned destination, or the usage area based on the positional relationship between the user location information or the destination information and the usage area.

15. obtaining cargo information relating to cargo loaded on the vehicle; acquiring user information about a user, the user information including at least user position information indicating a current position of the user or destination information indicating a planned destination of the user; acquiring vehicle information including vehicle position information indicating a position of the vehicle; Identifying a usage area in which the luggage will be used based on information corresponding to the luggage, the usage estimated location in which the luggage will be used, and the user information or the vehicle information; A vehicle dispatch support program for causing a computer to execute the steps of: determining a vehicle dispatch route for dispatching the vehicle to at least one of the user's current location, the planned destination, or the usage area based on the positional relationship between the user location information or the destination information and the usage area.

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