TASK MANAGEMENT DEVICE, SYSTEM, VEHICLE, AND TASK MANAGEMENT METHOD

Abstract

To provide a task management device, a system, a vehicle, and a task management method that enable flexible operation according to the time required for the maintenance of the internal environment of a vehicle.SOLUTION: In a system in which a task management device 20 can communicate with a vehicle 30 and a terminal device 40 via a network 50, the task management device includes a control unit that detects deterioration of the internal environment of the vehicle as environmental deterioration during a period when the vehicle operated in a mode corresponding to a purpose is operated in a first mode, calculates the time required to maintain the vehicle's internal environment according to the detected environmental deterioration, determines whether maintenance is to be completed by a mode switching deadline for switching the vehicle to a second mode different from the first mode, and performs operational control according to an obtained determination result.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a task management device, a system, a vehicle, and a task management method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system for managing vehicles that can be used for multiple purposes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-170456 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When changing the use of a vehicle, such as from a mobile store vehicle or delivery vehicle to a bus, it may take time to maintain the interior of the vehicle, such as by cleaning the interior, which may delay the change in vehicle use.

[0005] The objective of the present disclosure is to enable flexible operation according to the time it takes to prepare the in-vehicle environment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A task management device according to the present disclosure includes: The vehicle is operated in a mode according to its application, and the control unit detects deterioration of the vehicle's internal environment as environmental deterioration during a period in which the vehicle is operated in a first mode, calculates a required time for maintenance of the vehicle's internal environment in accordance with the detected environmental deterioration, determines whether the maintenance will be completed by a mode switching deadline for switching the vehicle to a second mode different from the first mode, and performs operational control in accordance with the obtained determination result.

[0007] The task management method according to the present disclosure includes: Detecting, by a control unit, deterioration of an internal environment of a vehicle as environmental deterioration during a period in which the vehicle is operated in a first mode according to a purpose; Calculating, by the control unit, a required time for maintenance of the internal environment of the vehicle in accordance with the detected environmental deterioration, and determining whether the maintenance will be completed by a mode switching deadline for switching the vehicle to a second mode different from the first mode; The control unit controls operation in accordance with the obtained determination result. Includes. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, flexible operation becomes possible according to the time required to prepare the in-vehicle environment. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a task management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a task management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a modified example of the operation of the task management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 13 is a flowchart illustrating another modified example of the operation of the task management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart illustrating yet another modified example of the operation of the task management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the description of this embodiment, the description of the same or corresponding parts will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0012] The configuration of a system 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0013] The system 10 according to this embodiment includes at least one task management device 20, at least one vehicle 30, and at least one terminal device 40. The task management device 20 is capable of communicating with the vehicle 30 and the terminal device 40 via a network 50.

[0014] The task management device 20 is installed in a facility such as a data center, and is operated by a business operator that manages the vehicle 30. The task management device 20 is a computer such as a server that belongs to a cloud computing system or other computing system.

[0015] The vehicle 30 is operated in a mode according to the purpose, such as delivery of goods, transportation of passengers, or sale of goods. The mode of the vehicle 30 can be changed by changing the interior, exterior, or both. The vehicle 30 is a mounted vehicle in which the rear seat can be removed or moved or a table can be installed freely without using tools, for example, by a dedicated floor structure utilizing multiple rails. The vehicle 30 is equipped with a display such as an LCD or an organic EL as a part of the exterior, and the exterior can be freely changed by switching the content displayed on the display. "LCD" is an abbreviation for liquid crystal display. "EL" is an abbreviation for electro luminescent. The vehicle 30 may be used as an on-demand bus, or may be equipped with a power source, lighting, a table, a monitor, or any combination of these, and used as a business negotiation space or office at the destination, or may be used for other purposes such as sale of goods, delivery of goods, or provision of government services. By changing the interior, exterior, or both of the vehicle 30, it is also possible to use the vehicle 30 according to the day of the week or the time of day.

[0016] The vehicle 30 is any type of automobile, such as a gasoline vehicle, a diesel vehicle, a hydrogen vehicle, an HEV, a PHEV, a BEV, or an FCEV. "HEV" is an abbreviation for hybrid electric vehicle. "PHEV" is an abbreviation for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. "BEV" is an abbreviation for battery electric vehicle. "FCEV" is an abbreviation for fuel cell electric vehicle. The vehicle 30 is an AV in this embodiment, but may be driven by a driver or may be automated at any level. "AV" is an abbreviation for autonomous vehicle. The level of automation is, for example, any of levels 1 to 5 in the SAE level classification. "SAE" is an abbreviation for Society of Automotive Engineers. The vehicle 30 may be a MaaS-only vehicle. "MaaS" is an abbreviation for Mobility as a Service.

[0017] The terminal device 40 is held by the user 11 or installed at any location, such as the home of the user 11, and used by the user 11. The terminal device 40 is, for example, a mobile device such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet, or a PC. "PC" is an abbreviation for personal computer.

[0018] Network 50 includes the Internet, at least one WAN, at least one MAN, or any combination thereof. "WAN" is an abbreviation for wide area network. "MAN" is an abbreviation for metropolitan area network. Network 50 may include at least one wireless network, at least one optical network, or any combination thereof. A wireless network may be, for example, an ad-hoc network, a cellular network, a wireless LAN, a satellite communication network, or a terrestrial microwave network. "LAN" is an abbreviation for local area network.

[0019] The present embodiment will be outlined with reference to FIG.

[0020] The task management device 20 detects the deterioration of the internal environment of the vehicle 30 as environmental deterioration during a period P1 during which the vehicle 30 is operated in the first mode M1. The task management device 20 calculates the time required for maintenance of the internal environment of the vehicle 30 according to the detected environmental deterioration, and determines whether the maintenance will be completed by the mode switching deadline Tm. The maintenance includes, for example, cleaning or odor removal. The mode switching deadline Tm is a deadline for switching the vehicle 30 to a second mode M2 ​​different from the first mode M1. The task management device 20 performs operation control Ci according to the obtained determination result. The operation control Ci is, for example, mode switching control C1 or vehicle introduction control C2. The mode switching control C1 is control for switching the vehicle 30 to the second mode M2. The vehicle introduction control C2 is control for introducing a substitute vehicle to be operated in the second mode M2.

[0021] The use corresponding to the first mode M1 may be any use, but in this embodiment, it is the sale of goods or the delivery of goods. The use corresponding to the second mode M2 ​​may be any use as long as it is different from the use corresponding to the first mode M1, but in this embodiment, it is the transportation of passengers.

[0022] In this embodiment, when the internal environment of the vehicle 30 cannot be prepared before the use of the vehicle 30 is changed, such as when the vehicle is changed from a mobile store vehicle or delivery vehicle to a bus, the operation can be changed. In other words, flexible operation according to the time required to prepare the internal environment of the vehicle 30 becomes possible.

[0023] The configuration of a task management device 20 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0024] The task management device 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23.

[0025] The control unit 21 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. "CPU" is an abbreviation for central processing unit. "GPU" is an abbreviation for graphics processing unit. The programmable circuit is, for example, an FPGA. "FPGA" is an abbreviation for field-programmable gate array. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC. "ASIC" is an abbreviation for application specific integrated circuit. The control unit 21 executes processes related to the operation of the task management device 20 while controlling each part of the task management device 20.

[0026] The storage unit 22 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM, a ROM, or a flash memory. "RAM" is an abbreviation for random access memory. "ROM" is an abbreviation for read only memory. The RAM is, for example, an SRAM or a DRAM. "SRAM" is an abbreviation for static random access memory. "DRAM" is an abbreviation for dynamic random access memory. The ROM is, for example, an EEPROM. "EEPROM" is an abbreviation for electrically erasable programmable read only memory. The flash memory is, for example, an SSD. "SSD" is an abbreviation for solid-state drive. The magnetic memory is, for example, an HDD. "HDD" is an abbreviation for hard disk drive. The storage unit 22 functions, for example, as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 22 stores data used in the operation of the task management device 20 and data obtained by the operation of the task management device 20.

[0027] The communication unit 23 includes at least one communication interface. The communication interface is, for example, an interface compatible with a wired LAN communication standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark), or an interface compatible with a wireless LAN communication standard such as IEEE802.11. "IEEE" is an abbreviation for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The communication unit 23 communicates with the vehicle 30 and the terminal device 40. The communication unit 23 receives data used in the operation of the task management device 20, and transmits data obtained by the operation of the task management device 20.

[0028] The functions of task management device 20 are realized by executing a program according to this embodiment on a processor serving as control unit 21. That is, the functions of task management device 20 are realized by software. The program causes a computer to execute the operations of task management device 20, thereby causing the computer to function as task management device 20. That is, the computer functions as task management device 20 by executing the operations of task management device 20 in accordance with the program.

[0029] The program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Examples of the non-transitory computer-readable medium include a flash memory, a magnetic recording device, an optical disk, a magneto-optical recording medium, or a ROM. The program may be distributed, for example, by selling, transferring, or lending a portable medium such as an SD card, DVD, or CD-ROM on which the program is stored. "SD" is an abbreviation for Secure Digital. "DVD" is an abbreviation for digital versatile disc. "CD-ROM" is an abbreviation for compact disc read only memory. The program may be distributed by storing the program in the storage of a server and transferring the program from the server to another computer. The program may be provided as a program product.

[0030] A computer temporarily stores in a main storage device, for example, a program stored in a portable medium or a program transferred from a server. Then, the computer reads the program stored in the main storage device with a processor, and executes processing according to the read program with the processor. The computer may read the program directly from a portable medium and execute processing according to the program. The computer may execute processing according to the received program each time a program is transferred from the server to the computer. Processing may be executed by a so-called ASP-type service that realizes functions only by execution instructions and result acquisition without transferring a program from the server to the computer. "ASP" is an abbreviation for application service provider. A program is information used for processing by a computer, and includes those equivalent to a program. For example, data that is not a direct command to a computer but has the property of defining computer processing falls under "those equivalent to a program."

[0031] A part or all of the functions of the task management device 20 may be realized by a programmable circuit or a dedicated circuit as the control unit 21. In other words, a part or all of the functions of the task management device 20 may be realized by hardware.

[0032] The operation of the task management device 20 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. This operation corresponds to the task management method according to this embodiment.

[0033] In step S101, the control unit 21 of the task management device 20 detects deterioration of the internal environment of the vehicle 30 as environmental deterioration during a period P1 in which the vehicle 30 is operated in the first mode M1. Specifically, the environmental deterioration is detected by one or both of the following procedures.

[0034] In the first procedure, the vehicle 30 takes an image of the inside of the vehicle 30 using a camera mounted on the vehicle 30 during the period P1. The vehicle 30 transmits the taken image to the task management device 20 via a communication interface implemented in the vehicle 30 and compatible with a mobile communication standard such as LTE, 4G standard, or 5G standard, a V2X communication standard such as DSRC or cellular V2X, or a wireless LAN communication standard such as IEEE802.11. "LTE" is an abbreviation for Long Term Evolution. "4G" is an abbreviation for 4th generation. "5G" is an abbreviation for 5th generation. "DSRC" is an abbreviation for dedicated short range communications. "V2X" is an abbreviation for vehicle-to-everything.

[0035] The control unit 21 of the task management device 20 receives an image of the interior of the vehicle 30 from the vehicle 30 via the communication unit 23. The control unit 21 analyzes the received image to detect dirt inside the vehicle 30 as environmental deterioration. A known method can be used as a method for image analysis. Machine learning such as deep learning may also be used.

[0036] In the second procedure, during the period P1, the vehicle 30 measures the odor inside the vehicle 30 using a sensor mounted on the vehicle 30. The vehicle 30 transmits the obtained measurement result to the task management device 20 via a communication interface mounted on the vehicle 30.

[0037] The control unit 21 of the task management device 20 receives the odor measurement results of the vehicle 30 from the vehicle 30 via the communication unit 23. The control unit 21 refers to the received measurement results and detects dirt inside the vehicle 30 as environmental deterioration.

[0038] In step S102, the control unit 21 of the task management device 20 calculates the time required for maintenance of the internal environment of the vehicle 30 according to the environmental deterioration detected in step S101, and determines whether the maintenance will be completed within the mode switching deadline Tm. The mode switching deadline Tm is the deadline for switching the vehicle 30 to a second mode M2 ​​different from the first mode M1. It is assumed that the mode switching deadline Tm is set in advance. Specifically, whether the maintenance will be completed within the mode switching deadline Tm is determined by the following procedure.

[0039] When the control unit 21 of the task management device 20 detects dirt inside the vehicle 30 as environmental deterioration in step S101, the control unit 21 calculates the time required for a cleaning staff member or cleaning robot aboard the vehicle 30 to clean the inside of the vehicle 30 as the required time for maintenance. More specifically, the control unit 21 derives, as the required time for maintenance, a cleaning time corresponding to a parameter such as the amount or type of dirt inside the vehicle 30 detected in step S101, by referring to a conversion table pre-stored in the storage unit 22 or by using a pre-defined conversion formula.

[0040] When the control unit 21 of the task management device 20 detects the odor inside the vehicle 30 as environmental deterioration in step S101, it calculates the time required for the air purifier mounted on the vehicle 30 to remove the odor inside the vehicle 30 as the required maintenance time. More specifically, the control unit 21 derives, by referring to a conversion table pre-stored in the storage unit 22 or by using a pre-defined conversion formula, the operating time of the air purifier corresponding to parameters such as the strength or type of odor inside the vehicle 30 detected in step S101 as the required maintenance time.

[0041] The control unit 21 of the task management device 20 compares the calculated required maintenance time with the remaining time until the mode switching deadline Tm. If the required maintenance time is shorter than the remaining time, the control unit 21 determines that the maintenance will be completed by the mode switching deadline Tm. The control unit 21 may also determine that the maintenance will be completed by the mode switching deadline Tm when the required maintenance time is the same as the remaining time. If the required maintenance time is longer than the remaining time, the control unit 21 determines that the maintenance will not be completed by the mode switching deadline Tm.

[0042] If it is determined in step S102 that the maintenance will be completed by the mode switching deadline Tm, the process proceeds to step S103. If it is determined in step S102 that the maintenance will not be completed by the mode switching deadline Tm, the process proceeds to step S105.

[0043] In step S103, the control unit 21 of the task management device 20 waits until the mode switching deadline Tm arrives or until the use of the vehicle 30 in the first mode M1 is completed. When the mode switching deadline Tm arrives, the process of step S104 is executed. Even if the mode switching deadline Tm arrives, when the use of the vehicle 30 in the first mode M1 is completed, the process of step S104 is executed.

[0044] In step S104, the control unit 21 of the task management device 20 performs mode switching control C1 as the operation control Ci according to the determination result obtained in step S102. The mode switching control C1 is a control for switching the vehicle 30 to the second mode M2.

[0045] Specifically, the control unit 21 of the task management device 20 performs the mode switching control C1 by transmitting the first instruction data Di1, which instructs the worker to change the interior or exterior of the vehicle 30 to the interior or exterior corresponding to the second mode M2, to the worker's terminal device such as a mobile phone, smartphone, or tablet via the communication unit 23. When the worker's terminal device receives the first instruction data Di1, it displays the received first instruction data Di1 on a display or outputs it by voice from a speaker. The worker changes the interior or exterior of the vehicle 30 according to the first instruction data Di1 displayed or output by voice. For example, the worker installs a rear seat for passengers to sit on the bus or moves the rear seat to a specific position. Alternatively, the worker may display operation information such as the destination of the bus on a display equipped on the vehicle 30 as part of the exterior.

[0046] In the case where the vehicle 30 has a function of automatically changing the interior or exterior of the vehicle 30, the control unit 21 of the task management device 20 may perform the mode switching control C1 by transmitting, to the vehicle 30 via the communication unit 23, second instruction data Di2 instructing the vehicle 30 to change the interior or exterior of the vehicle 30 to the interior or exterior corresponding to the second mode M2, instead of or in addition to transmitting the first instruction data Di1 to the terminal device of the worker. In such a modified example, the vehicle 30 receives the second instruction data Di2 from the task management device 20 via a communication interface implemented in the vehicle 30. The vehicle 30 changes the interior or exterior of the vehicle 30 according to the received second instruction data Di2. For example, the vehicle 30 moves the rear seat for passengers of the bus to a specific position. Alternatively, the vehicle 30 may display operation information such as the destination of the bus on a display equipped as part of the exterior of the vehicle 30.

[0047] In step S105, the control unit 21 of the task management device 20 waits until the mode switching deadline Tm arrives or until the use of the vehicle 30 in the first mode M1 is completed. When the mode switching deadline Tm arrives, the process of step S106 is executed. Even if the mode switching deadline Tm arrives, when the use of the vehicle 30 in the first mode M1 is completed, the process of step S106 is executed.

[0048] In step S106, the control unit 21 of the task management device 20 performs a vehicle insertion control C2 as the operation control Ci according to the determination result obtained in step S102. The vehicle insertion control C2 is a control for inserting a substitute vehicle to be operated in the second mode M2.

[0049] Specifically, the control unit 21 of the task management device 20 performs the vehicle introduction control C2 by transmitting, to the substitute vehicle via the communication unit 23, third instruction data Di3 instructing the substitute vehicle to transport passengers who were to be transported during the period P2 in which the vehicle 30 is scheduled to be operated in the second mode M2 ​​after the period P1. If the substitute vehicle switches modes by changing the interior, the exterior, or both, like the vehicle 30, the third instruction data Di3 may include data instructing the substitute vehicle to change the interior or exterior of the substitute vehicle to the interior or exterior corresponding to the second mode M2. Upon receiving the third instruction data Di3, the substitute vehicle transports passengers according to the received third instruction data Di3.

[0050] As described above, in this embodiment, when the vehicle 30 is operated for logistics purposes, environmental deterioration such as dirt inside the vehicle 30 is detected, the time required to improve the environment such as removing the dirt inside the vehicle 30 is calculated, and if it takes a long time, another vehicle can be dispatched as a bus. In other words, flexible operation according to the time required to improve the environment inside the vehicle 30 is possible.

[0051] A modified example of the operation of the task management device 20 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0052] The processes in steps S111 and S112 are similar to those in steps S101 and S102 in FIG. 3, respectively, and therefore will not be described.

[0053] If it is determined in step S112 that the maintenance will be completed by the mode switching deadline Tm, the process proceeds to step S113. If it is determined in step S112 that the maintenance will not be completed by the mode switching deadline Tm, the process proceeds to step S115.

[0054] The processes in steps S113 and S114 are similar to those in steps S103 and S104 in FIG. 3, respectively, and therefore will not be described.

[0055] In step S115, the control unit 21 of the task management device 20 determines whether to perform the vehicle closing control C2 in accordance with the environmental deterioration detected in step S111. Specifically, whether to perform the vehicle closing control C2 is determined in the following procedure.

[0056] The control unit 21 of the task management device 20 refers to the tolerance data Da stored in advance in the storage unit 22 to determine whether the environmental deterioration detected in step S111 is acceptable. The tolerance data Da is data indicating the tolerance of the deterioration of the internal environment of the vehicle 30 for the use corresponding to the second mode M2. As such data, for example, a correspondence table that defines the corresponding tolerance for each use, such as delivery of goods, transportation of passengers, or sales of goods, can be used. In this correspondence table, the tolerance corresponding to delivery of goods may be defined higher than the tolerance corresponding to sales of goods. The tolerance corresponding to sales of goods may be defined higher than the tolerance corresponding to transportation of passengers. Uses may be finely classified, and the corresponding tolerance may be defined for each classification. The tolerance is expressed, for example, by the amount of dirt that is acceptable or the strength of the odor that is acceptable.

[0057] The tolerance data Da may be data indicating the tolerance of an object transported in the second mode M2 ​​to deterioration of the internal environment of the vehicle 30. As such data, for example, a correspondence table that defines a corresponding tolerance for each object, such as an item such as luggage delivered by the vehicle 30, a commodity such as bread sold by the vehicle 30, or a passenger transported by the vehicle 30, may be used. In this correspondence table, the tolerance corresponding to the object delivered by the vehicle 30 may be defined to be higher than the tolerance corresponding to the commodity sold by the vehicle 30. The tolerance corresponding to the commodity sold by the vehicle 30 may be defined to be higher than the tolerance corresponding to the passenger transported by the vehicle 30. The object may be classified into fine categories, and a corresponding tolerance may be defined for each category.

[0058] When the control unit 21 of the task management device 20 determines that the environmental deterioration detected in step S111 is tolerable, it decides not to perform the vehicle introduction control C2. When the control unit 21 determines that the environmental deterioration detected in step S111 is not tolerable, it decides to perform the vehicle introduction control C2.

[0059] If it is determined in step S115 that the vehicle closing control C2 is not to be performed, the process of step S113 is executed. If it is determined in step S115 that the vehicle closing control C2 is to be performed, the process of step S116 is executed.

[0060] The processes in steps S116 and S117 are similar to those in steps S105 and S106 in FIG. 3, respectively, and therefore will not be described.

[0061] As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 4, even if it takes time to improve the environment, such as removing dirt inside the vehicle 30, if the environmental deterioration, such as dirt inside the vehicle 30, is within an acceptable range, the vehicle 30 is used as a bus, so there is no need to dispatch another vehicle as a bus. In other words, flexible operation according to the environmental deterioration inside the vehicle 30 is possible. For example, the internal environmental conditions of multiple vehicles, including the vehicle 30, may be ranked and matched with uses applied for by multiple users, including the user 11. If the user 11 has applied to use the vehicle 30 as a bus, the user 11 may be able to reserve the vehicle with the highest rank.

[0062] Another modified example of the operation of the task management device 20 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0063] The processes in steps S121 and S122 are similar to those in steps S101 and S102 in FIG. 3, respectively, and therefore will not be described.

[0064] If it is determined in step S122 that the maintenance will be completed by the mode switching deadline Tm, the process proceeds to step S123. If it is determined in step S122 that the maintenance will not be completed by the mode switching deadline Tm, the process proceeds to step S125.

[0065] The processes in steps S123 and S124 are similar to those in steps S103 and S104 in FIG. 3, respectively, and therefore will not be described.

[0066] In step S125, the control unit 21 of the task management device 20 changes the destination mode of the mode switching control C1 from the second mode M2 ​​to the third mode M3 corresponding to the purpose according to the environmental deterioration detected in step S121. Specifically, the destination mode is changed in the following procedure.

[0067] The control unit 21 of the task management device 20 refers to the tolerance data Da stored in advance in the storage unit 22 to determine in which mode the environmental deterioration detected in step S121 is tolerable. The tolerance data Da is the same as that referred to in step S115 in FIG. 4, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0068] When the control unit 21 of the task management device 20 determines that the environmental deterioration detected in step S121 is acceptable in a mode corresponding to the delivery of goods, it selects the mode corresponding to the delivery of goods as the third mode M3. When the control unit 21 determines that the environmental deterioration detected in step S121 is acceptable in a mode corresponding to the sale of goods, it selects the mode corresponding to the sale of goods as the third mode M3. When the control unit 21 determines that the environmental deterioration detected in step S121 is acceptable in two or more modes, it may select any mode from the two or more modes as the third mode M3, or may select any one mode according to some priority order as the third mode M3. The control unit 21 changes the mode to which the mode switching control C1 is switched to the selected third mode M3. When the control unit 21 determines that the environmental deterioration detected in step S121 is acceptable in the second mode M2, it may not be necessary to change the mode to which the mode switching control C1 is switched.

[0069] After step S125, the processes of steps S123 and S124 are executed. When the switching mode of the mode switching control C1 is changed to the third mode M3 in step S125, in step S124, the control unit 21 of the task management device 20 performs control to switch the vehicle 30 from the second mode M2 ​​to the third mode M3 as the mode switching control C1.

[0070] Specifically, the control unit 21 of the task management device 20 performs the mode switching control C1 by transmitting, via the communication unit 23, to the terminal device of the worker, fourth instruction data Di4 that instructs the worker to change the interior or exterior of the vehicle 30 to an interior or exterior corresponding to the third mode M3. Upon receiving the fourth instruction data Di4, the terminal device of the worker displays the received fourth instruction data Di4 on a display or outputs it as voice from a speaker. The worker changes the interior or exterior of the vehicle 30 according to the fourth instruction data Di4 that is displayed or output as voice.

[0071] In the case where the vehicle 30 has a function of automatically changing the interior or exterior of the vehicle 30, the control unit 21 of the task management device 20 may perform the mode switching control C1 by transmitting, to the vehicle 30 via the communication unit 23, fifth instruction data Di5 instructing the vehicle 30 to change the interior or exterior of the vehicle 30 to the interior or exterior corresponding to the third mode M3, instead of or in addition to transmitting the fourth instruction data Di4 to the terminal device of the worker. In such a modified example, the vehicle 30 receives the fifth instruction data Di5 from the task management device 20 via a communication interface implemented in the vehicle 30. The vehicle 30 changes the interior or exterior of the vehicle 30 according to the received fifth instruction data Di5.

[0072] 5, if it takes time to improve the environment, such as removing dirt from the inside of the vehicle 30, the vehicle 30 can be used for another purpose for which environmental deterioration, such as dirt on the inside of the vehicle 30, is acceptable. In other words, flexible operation according to the environmental deterioration inside the vehicle 30 becomes possible. For example, in logistics, it is sufficient that the interior of the vehicle 30 is kept clean to a minimum, so if the time required to clean the inside of the vehicle 30 cannot be taken, the next operation of the vehicle 30 can be changed from passenger transportation to logistics.

[0073] With reference to FIG. 6, yet another modified example of the operation of the task management device 20 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0074] The processes in steps S131 and S132 are similar to those in steps S101 and S102 in FIG. 3, respectively, and therefore will not be described.

[0075] If it is determined in step S132 that the maintenance will be completed by the mode switching deadline Tm, the process proceeds to step S133. If it is determined in step S132 that the maintenance will not be completed by the mode switching deadline Tm, the process proceeds to step S135.

[0076] The processes in steps S133 and S134 are similar to those in steps S103 and S104 in FIG. 3, respectively, and therefore will not be described.

[0077] In step S135, the control unit 21 of the task management device 20 transmits notification data Dn for notifying the user 11 of the environmental deterioration detected in step S131 to the terminal device 40 via the communication unit 23. Specifically, the notification data Dn is transmitted in the following procedure.

[0078] When the control unit 21 of the task management device 20 detects dirt inside the vehicle 30 as environmental deterioration in step S131, it transmits data notifying the user 11 of information such as the amount or type of dirt inside the vehicle 30 as notification data Dn to the terminal device 40 via the communication unit 23. The notification data Dn may include messages such as "To customers who have reserved a bus, please be aware that there may be dirt inside the bus as the interior cleaning will not be completed in time, and please let us know if you wish to use the bus" or "We will offer a discount on the bus fare."

[0079] When the control unit 21 of the task management device 20 detects the odor inside the vehicle 30 as environmental deterioration in step S131, it transmits data notifying the user 11 of information such as the strength or type of the detected odor inside the vehicle 30 as notification data Dn to the terminal device 40 via the communication unit 23.

[0080] The terminal device 40 of the task management device 20 receives the notification data Dn from the task management device 20 via a communication interface implemented in the terminal device 40 and corresponding to a mobile communication standard such as LTE, 4G standard, or 5G standard, a wireless LAN communication standard such as IEEE802.11, or a wired LAN communication standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark). The terminal device 40 displays the received notification data Dn on a display mounted on or connected to the terminal device 40, or outputs it as sound from a speaker mounted on or connected to the terminal device 40. If the user 11 can tolerate the environmental deterioration such as dirt or odor notified by the displayed or sound output notification data Dn, the user 11 may perform an operation to request the use of the vehicle 30 when the vehicle 30 is operated in the second mode M2. When such an operation is performed, the terminal device 40 transmits request data Dr requesting the use of the vehicle 30 when the vehicle 30 is operated in the second mode M2 ​​to the task management device 20 via the communication interface implemented in the terminal device 40.

[0081] In step S136, the control unit 21 of the task management device 20 waits until the request data Dr is received from the terminal device 40 via the communication unit 23. When the request data Dr is received, the process of step S133 is executed. If the request data Dr is not received within a certain time period after the notification data Dn is transmitted in step S135, the operation shown in FIG. 6 ends. If the user 11 has reserved the use of the vehicle 30 when the vehicle 30 is operated in the second mode M2, the reservation may be automatically canceled. Alternatively, the processes of steps S116 and S117 in FIG. 4 may be executed.

[0082] As described above, in the example shown in Fig. 6, if it takes time to improve the environment, such as removing dirt from the inside of the vehicle 30, the user 11 is notified of the environmental deterioration, such as dirt on the inside of the vehicle 30, and after confirming that the user 11 still wishes to use the vehicle 30, the vehicle 30 can be operated as a bus. That is, flexible operation according to the deterioration of the inside environment of the vehicle 30 becomes possible. For example, the state of the inside environment of the vehicle 30 may be made public, and users who wish to use the vehicle 30 as a bus may be solicited from among a plurality of users, including the user 11.

[0083] As a modification of this embodiment, the task management device 20 may be provided in a vehicle 30.

[0084] Some of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below as examples. However, it should be noted that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to these examples. [Appendix 1] A task management device comprising: a control unit that detects deterioration of the internal environment of a vehicle, which is operated in a mode according to its application, as environmental deterioration during a period in which the vehicle is operated in a first mode, calculates a required time for maintenance of the internal environment of the vehicle in accordance with the detected environmental deterioration, determines whether the maintenance will be completed by a mode switching deadline for switching the vehicle to a second mode different from the first mode, and performs operational control in accordance with the obtained determination result. [Appendix 2] The task management device described in Appendix 1, wherein when the control unit determines that the maintenance will not be completed by the mode switching deadline, it performs vehicle introduction control to introduce a replacement vehicle to be operated in the second mode by the mode switching deadline. [Appendix 3] The task management device described in Appendix 1, wherein when the control unit determines that the maintenance will not be completed by the mode switching deadline, it decides whether to perform vehicle introduction control to introduce a substitute vehicle to be operated in the second mode, depending on the environmental deterioration. [Appendix 4] The task management device described in Appendix 3, wherein, when the control unit determines that the maintenance will not be completed by the mode switching deadline, the control unit refers to tolerance data indicating the tolerance for deterioration of the internal environment of the vehicle for the application corresponding to the second mode to determine whether the environmental deterioration is acceptable, and when it determines that the environmental deterioration is acceptable, performs mode switching control to switch the vehicle to the second mode by the mode switching deadline, and when it determines that the environmental deterioration is not acceptable, performs vehicle entry control by the mode switching deadline. [Appendix 5] The task management device described in Appendix 3, wherein, when the control unit determines that the maintenance will not be completed by the mode switching deadline, the control unit refers to tolerance data indicating the tolerance for deterioration of the internal environment of the vehicle to be transported in the second mode to determine whether the environmental deterioration is acceptable, and when it determines that the environmental deterioration is acceptable, performs mode switching control to switch the vehicle to the second mode by the mode switching deadline, and when it determines that the environmental deterioration is not acceptable, performs vehicle input control by the mode switching deadline. [Appendix 6] The task management device described in Appendix 1, wherein, when the control unit determines that the maintenance will not be completed by the mode switching deadline, it performs mode switching control to switch the vehicle from the second mode to a third mode that corresponds to the use in accordance with the environmental deterioration by the mode switching deadline. [Appendix 7] A communication unit that communicates with a user's terminal device, The task management device described in Appendix 1, wherein when the control unit determines that the maintenance will not be completed by the mode switching deadline, the control unit sends notification data notifying a user of the environmental deterioration to the terminal device via the communication unit, and when the control unit receives request data from the terminal device via the communication unit requesting use of the vehicle when the vehicle is operated in the second mode, the control unit performs mode switching control to switch the vehicle to the second mode by the mode switching deadline. [Appendix 8] 8. A task management device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein an application corresponding to the first mode is the sale of goods or the delivery of goods, and an application corresponding to the second mode is the transportation of passengers. [Appendix 9] The task management device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the maintenance includes cleaning. [Appendix 10] The task management device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the maintenance includes odor removal. [Appendix 11] A task management device according to claim 7; The terminal device A system comprising: [Appendix 12] A vehicle equipped with the task management device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 10. [Appendix 13] Detecting, by a control unit, deterioration of an internal environment of a vehicle as environmental deterioration during a period in which the vehicle is operated in a first mode according to a purpose; Calculating, by the control unit, a required time for maintenance of the internal environment of the vehicle in accordance with the detected environmental deterioration, and determining whether the maintenance will be completed by a mode switching deadline for switching the vehicle to a second mode different from the first mode; The control unit controls operation in accordance with the obtained determination result. A task management method including: [Appendix 14] The task management method described in Appendix 13, wherein performing the control includes performing vehicle introduction control to introduce a replacement vehicle to be operated in the second mode by the mode switching deadline when it is determined that the maintenance will not be completed by the mode switching deadline. [Appendix 15] The task management method described in Appendix 13, wherein performing the control includes, when it is determined that the maintenance will not be completed by the mode switching deadline, deciding whether to perform vehicle introduction control to introduce an alternative vehicle to be operated in the second mode in accordance with the environmental deterioration. [Appendix 16] The control includes: When it is determined that the maintenance will not be completed by the mode switching deadline, determining whether the environmental deterioration is tolerable by referring to tolerance data indicating a tolerance for deterioration of an internal environment of the vehicle for an application corresponding to the second mode; When it is determined that the environmental deterioration is permissible, a mode switching control for switching the vehicle to the second mode is performed by the mode switching deadline. When it is determined that the environmental deterioration is not permissible, the vehicle introduction control is performed by the mode switching deadline. 16. The task management method of claim 15, comprising: [Appendix 17] The control includes: When it is determined that the maintenance will not be completed by the mode switching deadline, determining whether the environmental deterioration is tolerable by referring to tolerance data indicating a tolerance for deterioration of an internal environment of the vehicle to be transported in the second mode; When it is determined that the environmental deterioration is permissible, a mode switching control for switching the vehicle to the second mode is performed by the mode switching deadline. When it is determined that the environmental deterioration is not permissible, the vehicle introduction control is performed by the mode switching deadline. 16. The task management method of claim 15, comprising: [Appendix 18] The task management method described in Appendix 13, wherein performing the control includes performing mode switching control to switch the vehicle from the second mode to a third mode corresponding to the use according to the environmental deterioration, by the mode switching deadline, if it is determined that the maintenance will not be completed by the mode switching deadline. [Appendix 19] The control includes: When it is determined that the maintenance will not be completed by the mode switching deadline, transmitting notification data notifying a user of the environmental deterioration to a terminal device of the user; when receiving request data from the terminal device requesting use of the vehicle when the vehicle is operated in the second mode, performing mode switching control for switching the vehicle to the second mode by the mode switching deadline. 14. The task management method of claim 13, comprising: [Appendix 20] A task management method according to any one of Supplementary Note 13 to Supplementary Note 19, wherein an application corresponding to the first mode is the sale of goods or the delivery of goods, and an application corresponding to the second mode is the transportation of passengers.

[0085] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. For example, two or more blocks shown in the block diagram may be integrated, or one block may be divided. Instead of executing two or more steps shown in the flowchart in chronological order as described, they may be executed in parallel or in a different order depending on the processing capacity of the device executing each step, or as necessary. Other modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 10. System 11 users 20 Task Management Device 21 Control section 22 Memory section 23 Communications Department 30 Vehicles 40 Terminal Equipment 50 Network

Claims

1. a control unit that detects deterioration of an internal environment of a vehicle, which is operated in a mode according to an application, during a period in which the vehicle is operated in a first mode, calculates a required time for maintenance of the internal environment of the vehicle according to the detected environmental deterioration, determines whether the maintenance will be completed by a mode switching deadline for switching the vehicle to a second mode different from the first mode, and performs operation control according to the obtained determination result; A task management device in which an application corresponding to the first mode is selling goods or delivering goods, and an application corresponding to the second mode is transporting passengers.

2. The task management device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit, when determining that the maintenance will not be completed by the mode switching deadline, performs vehicle introduction control to introduce a substitute vehicle to be operated in the second mode by the mode switching deadline.

3. The task management device according to claim 1, wherein when the control unit determines that the maintenance will not be completed by the mode switching deadline, it decides whether to perform vehicle introduction control to introduce a substitute vehicle to be operated in the second mode, depending on the environmental deterioration.

4. 4. The task management device of claim 3, wherein when the control unit determines that the maintenance will not be completed by the mode switching deadline, the control unit refers to tolerance data indicating the tolerance for deterioration of the internal environment of the vehicle for the application corresponding to the second mode to determine whether the environmental deterioration is acceptable, and when it determines that the environmental deterioration is acceptable, performs mode switching control to switch the vehicle to the second mode by the mode switching deadline, and when it determines that the environmental deterioration is not acceptable, performs vehicle input control by the mode switching deadline.

5. 4. The task management device of claim 3, wherein when the control unit determines that the maintenance will not be completed by the mode switching deadline, the control unit refers to tolerance data indicating the tolerance for deterioration of the internal environment of the vehicle to be transported in the second mode to determine whether the environmental deterioration is acceptable, and when it determines that the environmental deterioration is acceptable, performs mode switching control to switch the vehicle to the second mode by the mode switching deadline, and when it determines that the environmental deterioration is not acceptable, performs vehicle input control by the mode switching deadline.

6. The task management device according to claim 1, wherein, when the control unit determines that the maintenance will not be completed by the mode switching deadline, the control unit performs mode switching control to switch the vehicle from the second mode to a third mode corresponding to the use according to the environmental deterioration by the mode switching deadline.

7. A communication unit that communicates with a user's terminal device, 2. The task management device of claim 1, wherein when the control unit determines that the maintenance will not be completed by the mode switching deadline, the control unit sends notification data notifying the user of the environmental deterioration to the terminal device via the communication unit, and when the control unit receives request data from the terminal device via the communication unit requesting use of the vehicle when the vehicle is operated in the second mode, the control unit performs mode switching control to switch the vehicle to the second mode by the mode switching deadline.

8. The task management device according to claim 1 , wherein the maintenance includes cleaning.

9. The task management device according to claim 1 , wherein the maintenance includes odor removal.

10. A task management device according to claim 7; The terminal device A system comprising:

11. A vehicle comprising the task management device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. Detecting, by a control unit, deterioration of an internal environment of the vehicle as environmental deterioration during a period in which the vehicle is operated in a mode according to a purpose is operated in a first mode; calculating, by the control unit, a time required for maintenance of the internal environment of the vehicle in accordance with the detected environmental deterioration, and determining whether the maintenance will be completed by a mode switching deadline for switching the vehicle to a second mode different from the first mode; The control unit controls operation in accordance with the obtained determination result. Including, A task management method in which an application corresponding to the first mode is selling goods or delivering goods, and an application corresponding to the second mode is transporting passengers.

13. The task management method according to claim 12, wherein performing the control includes, when it is determined that the maintenance will not be completed by the mode switching deadline, performing vehicle introduction control to introduce a replacement vehicle to be operated in the second mode by the mode switching deadline.

14. The task management method of claim 12, wherein performing the control includes determining whether to perform vehicle introduction control to introduce a substitute vehicle to be operated in the second mode in accordance with the environmental deterioration when it is determined that the maintenance will not be completed by the mode switching deadline.

15. The control includes: When it is determined that the maintenance will not be completed by the mode switching deadline, determining whether the environmental deterioration is tolerable by referring to tolerance data indicating a tolerance for deterioration of an internal environment of the vehicle for an application corresponding to the second mode; when it is determined that the environmental deterioration is permissible, performing a mode switching control for switching the vehicle to the second mode by the mode switching deadline; When it is determined that the environmental deterioration is not permissible, the vehicle introduction control is performed by the mode switching deadline. The task management method according to claim 14, comprising:

16. The control includes: When it is determined that the maintenance will not be completed by the mode switching deadline, determining whether the environmental deterioration is tolerable by referring to tolerance data indicating a tolerance for deterioration of an internal environment of the vehicle to be transported in the second mode; when it is determined that the environmental deterioration is permissible, performing a mode switching control for switching the vehicle to the second mode by the mode switching deadline; When it is determined that the environmental deterioration is not permissible, the vehicle introduction control is performed by the mode switching deadline. The task management method according to claim 14, comprising:

17. The task management method according to claim 12, wherein performing the control includes performing mode switching control, by the mode switching deadline, to switch the vehicle from the second mode to a third mode corresponding to an application according to the environmental deterioration if it is determined that the maintenance will not be completed by the mode switching deadline.

18. The control includes: When it is determined that the maintenance will not be completed by the mode switching deadline, transmitting notification data notifying a user of the environmental deterioration to a terminal device of the user; when request data requesting use of the vehicle when the vehicle is operated in the second mode is received from the terminal device, a mode switching control for switching the vehicle to the second mode is performed within the mode switching deadline. The task management method according to claim 12, comprising:

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