COMMUNICATION CONTROL DEVICE, COMMUNICATION CONTROL PROGRAM, PROCESSING DEVICE, AND PROCESSING PROGRAM

Abstract

To prevent certain priority vehicles (emergency vehicles and public transportation vehicles) among vehicles that perform self-driving from becoming difficult to run.SOLUTION: A communication control device (4) includes: a receiving control unit (431) that performs control to receive, from a processing device (2), request information for increase control to increase throughput allocated to vehicle communication at a poor communication location (S) that exists on a travel route of a vehicle (1); a determination unit (432) that determines whether or not a vehicle corresponding to the request information is a priority vehicle (1a) based on identification information when the request information is received; and a network control unit (433) that executes the increase control when it is determined that the vehicle is a priority vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication control device, a communication control program, a processing device, and a processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] Various technologies have been proposed in the past for preparing a communication environment necessary for an autonomous vehicle to perform autonomous driving (especially autonomous driving of level 4 or higher).For example, the following Patent Document 1 describes a communication control device having a state determination unit that determines the state of the vehicle, a communication band determination unit that determines the wireless communication band to be assigned to each data transmission device based on the state of the vehicle determined by the state determination unit, the attributes of each data transmission device, and the wireless communication band measured by a data reception device, and a communication band notification unit that notifies each data transmission device of the wireless communication band determined by the communication band determination unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-176654 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the communication control device according to the conventional technology described in the above Patent Document 1 is configured to determine the wireless communication band to be assigned to all vehicles that have changed in at least one of the driving situation and the effective band. For this reason, this communication control device may increase the effective band of each of multiple vehicles in the same cell. On the other hand, there is an upper limit to the communication band that a base station can simultaneously provide to multiple vehicles. For this reason, even if each vehicle increases its effective band, a delay in communication may occur, which may make it difficult for each vehicle to travel. If emergency vehicles that require speed or public transportation vehicles that require punctuality are included in these vehicles, the delay in these vehicles may cause a major problem. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A communication control device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a communication control device that constitutes a communication network, and includes a communication unit that communicates with a processing device that transmits request information requesting the execution of increased control to increase the throughput allocated to communication of a vehicle at poor communication locations on the driving route of the vehicle where the communication conditions are below a predetermined standard while the vehicle is performing autonomous driving while communicating via the communication network, a reception control unit that controls the communication unit to receive the request information from the processing device, a judgment unit that, when the communication unit receives the request information, determines whether the vehicle corresponding to the request information is a priority vehicle based on identification information that identifies the vehicle, and a network control unit that executes the increased control when the judgment unit determines that the vehicle is the priority vehicle.

[0006] In addition, a processing device according to another aspect of the present invention includes a communication unit that communicates with the communication control device, a judgment unit that judges whether or not there is a communication poor point on the driving route of the vehicle where the communication situation is below a predetermined standard, based on a future communication situation distribution in an area in which the vehicle, which is capable of driving while communicating automatically via a communication network, is capable of driving, as predicted by a predictive model constructed by machine learning, and a transmission control unit that, when the judgment unit judges that the communication poor point exists, controls the communication unit to send to the communication control device a request information for increased control to increase the throughput allocated to communication of the vehicle at the communication poor point.

[0007] Each aspect of the present invention may be realized by a computer. In this case, the communication control program and processing program that realize the communication control device and processing device on a computer by causing the computer to operate as each part (software element) of the above-mentioned communication control device and processing device, as well as the computer-readable recording medium on which they are recorded, also fall within the scope of the present invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a demand transportation system including a reservation acceptance device (processing device) according to an embodiment of one aspect of the present invention and a communication control device according to an embodiment of another aspect of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the reservation acceptance device. FIG. [Diagram 3] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a distribution of future communication conditions used by the reservation acceptance device for judgment. FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a detour route searched for by the reservation acceptance device. FIG. [Diagram 5] 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a remote monitoring device that constitutes a demand transportation system together with the reservation acceptance device. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a communication control device that constitutes a demand transportation system together with the reservation acceptance device. FIG. [Figure 7] 11 is a table showing an example of identification information used by the communication control device for determination. [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram showing communication performed by a vehicle equipped in the demand transportation system and communication performed by a vehicle equipped in a conventional demand transportation system. FIG. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of a reservation acceptance method according to an embodiment of another aspect of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present invention, the processing device and communication control device configure a demand transportation system 100 as shown in Fig. 1. The demand transportation system 100 transports a user from a desired departure point to a desired destination at a desired date and time using a vehicle 1. The demand transportation system 100 according to this embodiment includes a terminal device M, a reservation and monitoring system 100a, and a communication network 100b.

[0011] <Terminal device> The terminal device M is carried or worn by a user of the vehicle 1 (including a person who makes a reservation for the vehicle 1 on behalf of the user). The terminal device M according to this embodiment is configured with a mobile phone, tablet terminal, or the like on which an application program is installed. This application program gives the terminal device M according to this embodiment a function for accepting reservation input, a function for transmitting the accepted reservation to the reservation and monitoring system 100a, and a function for notifying the user of various information received from the reservation and monitoring system 100a. The terminal device M may be a dedicated device having only the above functions.

[0012] <Reservation and monitoring system> The reservation and monitoring system 100a includes a vehicle 1, a reservation reception device 2, and a remote monitoring device 3. The reservation reception device 2 is a processing device according to this embodiment. The reservation reception device 2 may be mounted on the vehicle 1, or may be installed in a location away from the vehicle 1 (for example, the business premises of an operator that manages the vehicle 1). The reservation reception device 2 is preferably mounted on the vehicle 1 when there are a small number of vehicles 1 to be monitored by the remote monitoring device 3. On the other hand, the reservation reception device 2 is preferably installed in a location away from the vehicle 1 when there are a large number of vehicles 1 to be monitored by the remote monitoring device 3, or when there are a plurality of operators that operate the vehicles 1 in the same area. When the reservation reception device 2 is installed in a location away from the vehicle 1, the reservation reception device 2 and the remote monitoring device 3 may be configured as one unit.

[0013] [vehicle] The vehicle 1 performs autonomous driving while communicating with the reservation and monitoring system 100a via the communication network 100b. The vehicle 1 according to this embodiment has a function of receiving a driving route from the reservation reception device 2, a function of setting the received driving route, a function of autonomously driving on the set driving route (performing autonomous driving of level 4 or higher), a function of photographing the surroundings while driving, and a function of transmitting the obtained image data to the remote monitoring device 3. The vehicle 1 may be a vehicle that can carry many users at once like a bus, or a vehicle that can carry a small number of users like a taxi. The vehicle 1 may be managed by an operator that manages the reservation reception device 2, or may be owned by a user.

[0014] [Reservation reception device] Next, the reservation acceptance device 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0015] {Configuration of the reservation reception device} As shown in FIG. 2, the reservation acceptance device 2 includes a reservation-side communication unit 21 (communication unit), a reservation-side storage unit 22, and a reservation-side control unit .

[0016] [Reservation Communication Department] The reservation side communication unit 21 communicates with the communication control device 4 described later. The reservation side communication unit 21 according to this embodiment is configured to communicate with the terminal device M described above. The reservation side communication unit 21 according to this embodiment is also configured to communicate with the vehicle 1 via the remote monitoring device and the communication network 100b. That is, the vehicle 1 performs automatic driving while communicating with the reservation and monitoring system 100a via the communication network 100b. The reservation side communication unit 21 according to this embodiment is also configured with a communication module. The reservation side communication unit 21 may be configured to communicate with the vehicle 1 without going through the remote monitoring device 3 (only via the communication network 100b).

[0017] [Reservation side memory unit] The reservation side storage unit 22 stores various data received by the reservation side communication unit 21. The reservation side storage unit 22 according to this embodiment is configured to store predicted distribution information 221. The predicted distribution information 221 is information indicating (prediction of) the distribution of future communication conditions in the travelable area A of the vehicle 1. The predicted distribution information is a collection of future communication conditions in a plurality of cells (base stations 5) in the travelable area A. The predicted distribution information 221 according to this embodiment is in a map format in which communication failure points S are superimposed on the travelable area A as shown in FIG. 3. Moreover, the predicted distribution information 221 according to this embodiment includes the distribution of communication conditions in one time period in the travelable area A for a plurality of time periods. Moreover, the reservation side storage unit 22 according to this embodiment stores a reservation acceptance program (processing program). Moreover, the reservation side storage unit 22 according to this embodiment is composed of a semiconductor memory, a hard disk drive, and the like.

[0018] [Reservation side control unit] The reservation side control unit 23 includes an acquisition unit 231, a specification unit 232, a reservation side judgment unit 233 (judgment unit), a search unit 234, a second reservation side judgment unit 235 (second judgment unit), a second search unit 236, a presentation control unit 237, a reservation side reception control unit 238 (reception control unit), a setting control unit 239, and a reservation side transmission control unit 240 (transmission control unit). The reservation side control unit 23 according to this embodiment is composed of a processor.

[0019] (Acquisition Department) The acquisition unit 231 acquires the departure point and destination of the vehicle 1. The acquisition unit 231 according to this embodiment acquires the departure point and destination by controlling the reservation side communication unit 21 to receive the departure point and destination inputted to the terminal device M from the terminal device M. This allows the user to easily set the departure point and destination using the terminal device M. In addition, the user can set the departure point and destination even if the vehicle 1 has not arrived. In addition, the acquisition unit 231 according to this embodiment acquires the departure time in addition to the departure point and destination.

[0020] Moreover, the acquisition unit 231 according to this embodiment acquires the predicted distribution information 221. The acquisition unit 231 according to this embodiment acquires the predicted distribution information 221 by controlling the reservation-side communication unit 21 to receive the predicted distribution information 221 from, for example, the remote monitoring device 3. Then, the acquisition unit 231 according to this embodiment stores the acquired predicted distribution information 221 in the reservation-side storage unit 22. Note that, if the travel route of the vehicle 1 is only a predetermined travel route (the departure point and the destination are fixed), the reservation-side control unit 23 may not have this acquisition unit 231. Note that, if the reservation acceptance device 2 has a function of generating reservation distribution information, the acquisition unit 231 may not have the function of the box.

[0021] (Specific part) The identifying unit 232 identifies the travel route of the vehicle 1 based on the departure point and destination acquired by the acquiring unit 231. This makes it possible to accommodate reservations in cases where the vehicle 1 travels along any travel route (other than travelling only along a predetermined travel route). If the reservation side control unit 23 does not include the acquiring unit 231, the reservation side control unit 23 does not need to include the identifying unit 232.

[0022] (Reservation side judgment unit) The reservation side determination unit 233 determines whether or not a communication poor point S exists on the travel route of the vehicle 1 identified by the identification unit 232, based on the predicted distribution information 221. The "communication poor point S" is a point where the communication situation (for example, the throughput that can be allocated to the communication of the vehicle 1) is below a predetermined standard. The reservation side determination unit 233 according to this embodiment determines whether or not a communication poor point S exists in the time period when the vehicle 1 travels on the travel route, based on the distribution of the communication situation for each time period included in the predicted distribution information 221. The usage situation of the communication devices including the vehicle 1 (presence or absence of a communication poor point S) may change from time to time. However, the above configuration can respond to such changes. It can also respond to usage after a period of time (when the vehicle does not depart immediately).

[0023] (Exploration Department) The search unit 234 searches for a detour route R1 when the reservation side judgment unit 233 judges that a communication poor point S exists. The detour route R1 is a route that allows the destination to be reached without passing through the communication poor point S in the same driving time (or the same driving distance) as traveling on the original driving route R0, for example, as shown on the left side of Fig. 4. Note that if the reservation side control unit 23 immediately operates the reservation side transmission control unit 240 (described later) when it judges that a communication poor point S exists, the reservation side control unit 23 does not need to be provided with this search unit 234.

[0024] (Specific part 2) When the search unit 234 finds the detour route R1, the identification unit 232 according to this embodiment identifies the detour route R1 as the travel route. The process of increasing the throughput of the communication network 100b is large-scale and affects many other communication devices. However, with the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the communication situation of the vehicle 1 from deteriorating with simple control and without affecting other communication devices. In addition, it is also possible to deal with cases where the communication failure point is not caused by the influence of other communication devices (for example, cases where the communication situation is physically deteriorated due to a tunnel, etc.). Note that when the reservation side control unit 23 does not include the search unit 234, the identification unit 232 does not need to have the function described here.

[0025] (Second reservation side judgment unit) When the search unit fails to find the detour route R1, the second reservation side judgment unit 235 judges whether the communication situation at the communication poor location S can be improved. The second reservation side judgment unit 235 according to this embodiment first judges whether the communication poor location S is in an environment where the communication situation can be improved by the communication network 100b executing an increase control. The "increase control" is a control for increasing the throughput allocated to the communication of the vehicle 1. In addition, the "environment where the communication situation can be improved" includes, for example, an environment where radio waves are not physically blocked by structures (e.g., tunnels, etc.). Here, when it is judged that the communication poor location S is not in an environment where the communication situation can be improved, the second reservation side judgment unit 235 judges that the communication situation at the communication poor location S is not in a situation where the communication situation can be improved.

[0026] On the other hand, when it is determined that the communication failure point S is in an environment where the communication status can be improved, the second reservation side judgment unit 235 judges whether or not the condition for the communication control device 4 to execute the increase control is satisfied. The "condition for executing the increase control" includes, for example, that there is a vacancy in the reservation slot, that there is room left to reduce the throughput of other communication devices, and the like. The reservation slot is set, for example, based on a contract between the communication carrier that manages the communication network 100b and the operation carrier that manages the reservation and monitoring system. Here, when it is determined that the condition for the communication control device 4 to execute the increase control is not satisfied, the second reservation side judgment unit 235 judges that the communication status of the communication failure point S is not in a situation where it can be improved. Note that, when the reservation side control unit 23 immediately operates the reservation side transmission control unit 240 described later when the detouring route R1 cannot be found, or when the reservation side control unit 23 does not include the above-mentioned search unit 234, the reservation side control unit 23 may not include this second reservation side judgment unit 235.

[0027] (Second Exploration Department) The second search unit 236 searches for a second detour route R2 when the second reservation side judgment unit 235 judges that the communication situation at the communication poor point S is not in a state where it can be improved. The second detour route R2 is a route that can reach the destination without passing through the communication poor point S, for example, as shown on the right side of FIG. 4, but requires a longer driving time (or a longer driving distance) than traveling on the original driving route R0. Note that, when it is judged that the communication situation at the communication poor point S is not in a state where it can be improved, if the reservation side transmission control unit 240 described later is immediately operated, the reservation side control unit 23 may not have the second search unit 236. Also, when the second reservation side judgment unit 235 is not provided, the reservation side control unit 23 may not have the second search unit 236.

[0028] (Presentation control unit) When the second search unit 236 finds the second detour route R2, the presentation control unit 237 executes control to present a proposal to travel on the second detour route R2. As shown in FIG. 2, the presentation control unit 237 according to the present embodiment controls the reservation side communication unit 21 to transmit proposal information indicating the second detour route R2 to the terminal device M via the remote monitoring device 3 and the communication network 100b. The terminal device M that receives the proposal information presents the proposal to the occupant to travel on the second detour route R2. The presentation is performed by a screen display, a voice output, or a combination of these. The presentation control unit 237 may control the reservation side communication unit 21 to transmit the proposal information to the vehicle 1. In addition, when the reservation side control unit 23 does not include the second search unit 236, the reservation side control unit 23 may not include the presentation control unit 237.

[0029] (Specific Part 3) When consent to the plan is obtained, the specifying unit 232 specifies the second detour route R2 as the travel route. "Consent is obtained" includes, for example, a predetermined consent operation by the user on the terminal device M, and a predetermined operation on the reservation reception device 2 by a user of the reservation reception device 2 who has received consent from the user. In this way, when it is not possible to travel the detour route R1 or to execute the increase control described below, a proposal to travel the second detour route R2 is presented, suggesting to the user that the vehicle can head to the destination under certain conditions (at the expense of a longer travel time). In this way, when it is not possible to travel the detour route R1 or to execute the increase control, it is possible to prevent the vehicle 1 from immediately becoming unavailable. Note that, when the reservation side control unit 23 does not include the above-mentioned presentation control unit 237, the specifying unit 232 may not have the function described here.

[0030] (Reservation side reception control unit) The reservation-side reception control unit 238 controls the reservation-side communication unit 21 to receive poor communication information from the communication control device 4. The "poor communication information" is information that a second priority vehicle 1b different from the priority vehicle 1a is traveling within a certain radio wave range, and that the entry of the priority vehicle 1a into the radio wave range will cause that radio wave range to become a poor communication location S. Note that if the priority vehicle 1a does not enter the radio wave range in which the second priority vehicle 1b is traveling (for example, if the driving zone A of the priority vehicle 1a and the driving zone A of the second priority vehicle 1b do not overlap, or if the remote monitoring device 3 is configured to execute control to move the second priority vehicle 1b out of the radio wave range before the priority vehicle 1a enters the radio wave range), the reservation-side control unit 23 does not need to be equipped with the reservation-side reception control unit 238.

[0031] (Specific Part 4) When the reservation-side communication unit 21 receives the communication failure information, the identification unit 232 identifies a third detour route that does not pass through the radio wave area as the travel route of the priority vehicle 1a. As a result, the priority vehicle 1a travels on the third detour route. As a result, the priority vehicle 1a and the second priority vehicle 1b enter a common radio wave area, and by increasing the throughput of each, it is possible to prevent both the priority vehicle 1a and the second priority vehicle 1b from being unable to continue automatic driving. Note that, when the reservation-side communication unit 21 receives the communication failure information, the identification unit 232 may be configured to notify the user of the reservation reception device 2 (for example, by displaying text or outputting a voice message saying, "There will be a communication failure at this point on the travel route of your bus because another bus is scheduled to stop there first") and then identify the third detour route (or after the notification is given and a predetermined operation is performed by the user on the reservation reception device 2). Also, when the reservation-side control unit 23 does not include the reservation-side reception control unit 238, the identification unit 232 may not have the function described here.

[0032] (Settings control section) The setting control unit 239 executes control for setting the travel route (including the detour route R1, the second detour route R2, and the third detour route) identified by the identification unit 232 to the vehicle 1. The setting control unit 239 according to this embodiment controls the reservation side communication unit 21 to transmit route information indicating the travel route to the vehicle 1 via the remote monitoring device 3 and the communication network 100b. The vehicle 1 that receives the route information sets the travel route indicated by the route information as the travel route that the vehicle 1 will travel. As a result, the vehicle 1 that receives the travel route travels along the identified travel route. That is, a request for the execution of the increase control described later and a reservation for the vehicle 1 can be made by a single device. Note that, when the reservation side transmission control unit 240 described later is configured to transmit the identified travel route to another device having a function of setting the travel route to the vehicle 1 (the travel route is set by another device), the reservation side control unit 23 does not need to include the setting control unit 239.

[0033] (Reservation side transmission control section) The reservation side transmission control unit 240 controls the reservation side communication unit 21 to transmit request information to the communication control device 4 when the reservation side judgment unit 233 judges that the communication failure point S exists. The request information is information requesting the execution of the increase control. As described above, the reservation side control unit 23 according to this embodiment has a function of searching and identifying the detour route R1, and a function of judging whether or not the communication situation of the communication failure point S can be improved. Therefore, the reservation side transmission control unit 240 according to this embodiment controls the reservation side communication unit 21 to transmit request information when it is judged that the communication failure point S exists and the search unit 234 cannot find the detour route R1. Alternatively, the reservation side transmission control unit 240 according to this embodiment controls the reservation side communication unit 21 to transmit request information when the search unit 234 cannot find the detour route R1 and the second reservation side judgment unit 235 judges that the condition for executing the increase control is satisfied. The operation of the communication control device 4 that receives the request information will be described later.

[0034] Furthermore, the reservation side transmission control unit 240 according to this embodiment controls the reservation side communication unit 21 to transmit reservation completion information to the terminal device M when the setting control unit 239 executes control for setting a travel route. The reservation completion information is information indicating that the reservation of the vehicle 1 has been accepted. The terminal device M that has received the reservation completion information notifies the holder (wearer) of the terminal device M that the vehicle 1 has been reserved. The notification is performed by a screen display, a voice output, a vibration, or a combination of at least two of these.

[0035] Furthermore, the reservation side transmission control unit 240 according to this embodiment controls the reservation side communication unit 21 to transmit reservation impossible information to the terminal device M when the second search unit 236 fails to find the second detour route R2 or when consent to the plan is not obtained. The reservation impossible information is information indicating that a reservation for the vehicle 1 cannot be accepted. The terminal device M that has received the reservation impossible information notifies the holder (wearer) of the terminal device M that the vehicle 1 cannot be reserved with the input details. The notification is performed by a screen display, a voice output, a vibration, or a combination of at least two of these. Note that when the reservation acceptance device 2 is mounted on the vehicle 1 and reservations are accepted in the vehicle 1 (no need to transmit to the terminal device M), the reservation side control unit 23 does not need to be equipped with this reservation side transmission control unit 240.

[0036] {Effects of the reservation reception device} When remote monitoring of the vehicle 1 is performed using the existing communication network 100b shared with other communication devices (such as mobile phones) (without constructing a dedicated communication network), a communication poor spot S may occur on the driving route depending on the usage status of the other communication devices. When the communication poor spot S occurs, a delay may occur in the transmission of images from the vehicle 1 to the remote monitoring device 3. If a delay occurs in the transmission of images, it becomes impossible to continue autonomous driving at level 4 or higher, which requires constant monitoring. However, according to the reservation reception device 2 described above, when a communication poor spot S exists on the driving route, request information is transmitted to the communication control device 4. This allows the communication network 100b to preferentially increase the throughput when the priority vehicle 1a (e.g., emergency vehicle, public transport vehicle) communicates at the communication poor spot S. As a result, the priority vehicle 1a can transmit images without delay regardless of the usage status of other communication devices. That is, the priority vehicle 1a can stably perform autonomous driving at level 4 or higher.

[0037] [Remote monitoring device] Next, the remote monitoring device 3 will be described.

[0038] {Configuration of remote monitoring device} As shown in FIG. 5, the remote monitoring device 3 according to this embodiment includes a monitoring-side communication unit 31, a monitoring-side storage unit 32, an output unit, and a monitoring-side control unit .

[0039] [Monitoring communication unit] The monitoring communication unit 31 communicates with the reservation reception device 2. The monitoring communication unit 31 according to this embodiment communicates with the communication control device 4 of the communication network 100b. The monitoring communication unit 31 according to this embodiment communicates with the vehicle 1 via the communication network 100b. The monitoring communication unit 31 according to this embodiment is configured with a communication module.

[0040] [Monitoring side storage unit] A database 321 is constructed in the monitoring side storage unit 32. The database 321 is capable of storing past distribution information. The past distribution information is information indicating the distribution of past communication conditions in the travelable area A of the vehicle 1. The past distribution information is a collection of past communication conditions in a plurality of cells (base stations 5) in the travelable area A. The past distribution information according to this embodiment includes the distribution of communication conditions in a certain time period in the travelable area A for a plurality of time periods. The monitoring side storage unit 32 according to this embodiment also stores a prediction model 322. The prediction model 322 is constructed by machine learning. The monitoring side storage unit 32 according to this embodiment also stores a monitoring program. The monitoring side storage unit 32 according to this embodiment is composed of a semiconductor memory, a hard disk drive, and the like. The database 321 may be constructed in the reservation side storage unit 22 of the reservation reception device 2.

[0041] [Output section] The output unit 33 is a terminal for connecting to a monitor or an external monitor (not shown).

[0042] [Monitoring control section] The monitoring side control unit 34 includes a monitoring side reception control unit 341, a prediction unit 342, a monitoring side transmission control unit 343, an output control unit 344, a second reception control unit 345, and a second transmission control unit 346. The monitoring side control unit 34 according to this embodiment is configured with a processor.

[0043] (Reception control section) The monitoring reception control unit 341 controls the monitoring communication unit 31 to receive data on the communication conditions along the travel route from each of the multiple vehicles 1. The monitoring reception control unit 341 according to this embodiment stores the communication condition data received by the monitoring communication unit 31 in the database 321 as past communication information in the travelable area A of the vehicle 1. The monitoring reception control unit 341 according to this embodiment controls the monitoring communication unit 31 to receive image data from the multiple vehicles 1. Furthermore, the monitoring reception control unit 341 according to this embodiment stores the image data received by the monitoring communication unit 31 in the database 321. The monitoring reception control unit 341 may also perform control to receive telemetry indicating the operating conditions of each device provided in the vehicle 1 from the multiple vehicles 1.

[0044] (Prediction section) The prediction unit 342 uses the prediction model 322 to predict the distribution of future communication conditions from the past communication information accumulated in the database 321, and generates the predicted distribution information 221. In this way, by using the past communication information for prediction, more accurate prediction can be performed. The prediction unit 342 according to this embodiment generates the predicted distribution information 221 periodically (for example, once a day). Note that the prediction unit 342 may be configured to generate the predicted distribution information 221 irregularly (for example, each time a reservation for the vehicle 1 is accepted). The prediction unit 342 may be configured to construct the prediction model 322 before making a prediction. In addition, when the reservation acceptance device 2 has a function of generating the predicted distribution information 221, the monitoring side control unit 34 may not include the prediction unit 342. In addition, when the reservation acceptance device 2 is configured to determine whether or not a communication failure point S exists on a travel route using past communication information (assuming that the communication condition in a certain time period will be the same as the communication condition in the same time period in the past), the monitoring side control unit 34 may not include the prediction unit 342.

[0045] (Monitoring transmission control section) The monitoring-side transmission control unit 343 controls the monitoring-side communication unit 31 to transmit the predicted distribution information 221 generated by the prediction unit 342 to the reservation acceptance device 2 .

[0046] (Output control section) The output control unit 344 performs control for displaying an image based on the image data received by the monitoring side communication unit 31. When the output unit 33 is a monitor, the output control unit 344 controls the monitor to display the image. On the other hand, when the output unit 33 is a terminal, the output control unit 344 controls the terminal to output the image data to an external monitor. This allows the user of the remote monitoring device 3 to visually confirm the operation of the target vehicle 1 and check whether the vehicle 1 is operating abnormally.

[0047] (Second reception control unit, second transmission control unit) The second reception control unit 345 controls the monitoring communication unit 31 to receive request information from the reservation acceptance device 2. The second transmission control unit 346 controls the monitoring communication unit 31 to transmit the request information to the communication control device 4 of the communication network 100b. In other words, the remote monitoring device 3 according to this embodiment has a function of relaying request information. Note that if the reservation acceptance device 2 is configured to transmit request information directly to the communication control device 4, the monitoring control unit 34 does not need to include the second reception control unit 345 and the second transmission control unit 346.

[0048] {Effects of remote monitoring devices} According to the remote monitoring device 3 according to the present embodiment described above, the predicted distribution information 221 is generated and transmitted to the reservation acceptance device 2. This enables the reservation acceptance device 2 to accurately determine whether or not there is a communication failure point S.

[0049] <Communication network> The communication network 100b is responsible for communication between at least the vehicle 1 and the reservation and monitoring system 100a in the driving area A of the vehicle 1. The communication network 100b according to this embodiment includes a communication control device 4 and multiple base stations 5. That is, the communication control device 4 constitutes the communication network 100b. Therefore, at least the vehicle 1 communicates with the reservation and monitoring system 100a by a cellular system. Furthermore, the communication network 100b according to this embodiment is managed by a telecommunications carrier, and is not dedicated to communication by the vehicle 1. Therefore, the communication network 100b may cause communication failure points S in the driving area A depending on the usage status of other communication devices.

[0050] [Communication control device] Next, a communication control device 4 according to an embodiment of a second invention will be described.

[0051] [Configuration of communication control device] The communication control device 4 according to this embodiment includes a control side communication unit 41 (communication unit), a control side storage unit 42, and a control side control unit 43, as shown in FIG.

[0052] [Control side communication unit] The control side communication unit 41 communicates with the reservation acceptance device 2. The control side communication unit 41 according to this embodiment communicates with the base station 5. Moreover, the control side communication unit 41 according to this embodiment is configured with a communication module.

[0053] [Control side storage unit] The control-side storage unit 42 stores the identification information 421. The identification information 421 is information for identifying the vehicle 1. The identification information 421 is information showing the correspondence between the type of the vehicle 1 and the priority, for example, as shown in FIG. 7. The identification information 421 according to this embodiment classifies the vehicle 1 into three types: emergency vehicles, public transport vehicles, and privately owned vehicles. The identification information 421 according to this embodiment sets the priority of emergency vehicles to the highest (priority 1), public transport vehicles to the second highest (priority 2), and privately owned vehicles to the third highest (priority 3). The identification information 421 according to this embodiment also sets a priority for people (communication devices carried or worn by people). The identification information 421 according to this embodiment sets the priority of people to the lowest (priority 4). The control-side storage unit 42 according to this embodiment stores a communication control program. The control-side storage unit 42 according to this embodiment is composed of a semiconductor memory, a hard disk drive, and the like.

[0054] [Control unit] 6, the control side control unit 43 includes a control side reception control unit 431 (reception control unit), a control side determination unit 432 (determination unit), a network control unit 433, a second determination unit 434, and a control side transmission control unit 435 (transmission control unit). The control side control unit 43 according to this embodiment is configured with a processor.

[0055] (Reception control section) The control side reception control unit 431 controls the control side communication unit 41 to receive request information from the reservation acceptance device 2.

[0056] (Control side judgment unit) When the control-side communication unit 41 receives the request information, the control-side judgment unit 432 judges whether the vehicle 1 corresponding to the request information is a priority vehicle 1a or not based on the identification information 421 stored in the control-side storage unit 42. For example, when the vehicle 1 corresponding to the request information is a public transportation vehicle (priority 2) and only a person (priority 4) or a person and a privately owned vehicle (priority 3) are communicating at the communication poor location S, the control-side judgment unit 432 judges the vehicle 1 to be a priority vehicle 1a. When the vehicle 1 corresponding to the request information is a privately owned vehicle (priority 3) and only a person (priority 4) is communicating at the communication poor location S, the control-side judgment unit 432 judges the vehicle 1 to be a priority vehicle 1a. On the other hand, when the vehicle 1 corresponding to the request information is a public transportation vehicle (priority 2) and an emergency vehicle (priority 1) is communicating at the communication poor location S, the control-side judgment unit 432 judges the vehicle 1 to be not a priority vehicle 1a.

[0057] (Network Control Unit) The network control unit 433 executes the increase control when the control side determination unit 432 determines that the vehicle 1 is a priority vehicle 1a. As described above, the increase control is a control for increasing the throughput allocated to the communication of the vehicle 1 at a poor communication point S that exists on the travel route of the vehicle 1. The network control unit 433 according to this embodiment controls the control side communication unit 41 to transmit instruction information to at least one base station 5 corresponding to a cell that includes at least a part of the poor communication point. The instruction information is information that instructs an increase in the throughput allocated to the communication of the priority vehicle 1a within the cell.

[0058] The base station 5 that has received the instruction information increases the throughput allocated to the communication of the priority vehicle 1a. In a conventional on-demand transportation system in which the increase control is not performed, the base station 5 allocates the throughput equally (here, 2 Mbps each) to the vehicle 1 and other communication devices (if there are multiple communication devices) that communicate within one cell, as shown on the left side of FIG. 8. In contrast, in the on-demand transportation system 100 according to the present embodiment, the base station 5 that has received the instruction allocates a predetermined throughput or more (here, 5 Mbps) to the priority vehicle 1a, and allocates the remaining throughput (here, 2 Mbps) to other communication devices (including vehicles 1 other than the priority vehicle 1a) as shown on the right side of FIG. 8. In this case, the base station 5 may distribute the communication timing of each communication device by scheduling. This makes it possible to guarantee the minimum throughput allocated to each communication device.

[0059] (Second Judgment Department) The second determination unit 434 determines whether or not a second priority vehicle 1b different from the priority vehicle 1a is traveling within the radio wave range before the priority vehicle 1a enters the first radio wave range. "The second priority vehicle 1b is traveling within the radio wave range" may refer to a case where the second priority vehicle 1b continues to travel within the radio wave range or a case where the second priority vehicle 1b enters the radio wave range before the priority vehicle 1a. The second priority vehicle 1b is, for example, a vehicle 1 having the same priority as the priority vehicle 1a. The second priority vehicle 1b may also be, for example, a vehicle 1 managed by another operator that is different from the operator that manages the priority vehicle 1a but whose business area overlaps at least in part. The second determination unit 434 according to this embodiment makes a determination by acquiring route information from the reservation reception device 2 and acquiring communication device information related to communication devices within the cell from the base station 5 of the cell through which the travel route indicated by the route information passes. Furthermore, when the second determination unit 434 according to this embodiment determines that the second priority vehicle 1b is traveling within the radio wave range, it determines whether or not the radio wave range becomes a communication poor area S due to the entry of the priority vehicle 1a into the radio wave range.

[0060] (Control side transmission control unit) When the second determination unit 434 determines that the entry of the priority vehicle 1a into the radio wave range will cause the radio wave range to become a poor communication location S, the control side transmission control unit 435 transmits poor communication information indicating this to the reservation reception device 2. The operation of the reservation reception device 2 that receives the poor communication information is as described above. In this way, by transmitting the poor communication information to the reservation reception device 2, the reservation reception device 2 can take measures such as detouring the priority vehicle 1a. This makes it possible to prevent the priority vehicle 1a and the second priority vehicle 1b from being unable to continue automatic driving even though the priority vehicle 1a and the second priority vehicle 1b enter a common radio wave range and their respective throughputs are increased. In addition, since the priority vehicle 1a and the second priority vehicle 1b are controlled in the order in which they enter the radio wave range rather than by the identification information, it is possible to respond to the control of both vehicles even if the operation company that manages the priority vehicle 1a and the operation company that manages the second priority vehicle 1b are different. As a result, the demand transportation system 100 can be a shared system that is used jointly by multiple operation companies.

[0061] [Effects of the communication control device] When remote monitoring of the vehicle 1 is performed using the existing communication network 100b shared with other communication devices (such as mobile phones) (without constructing a dedicated communication network), a communication failure point S may occur on the driving route depending on the usage status of the other communication devices. When the communication failure point S occurs, a delay may occur in the transmission of images from the vehicle 1 to the remote monitoring device 3. If a delay occurs in the transmission of images, it becomes impossible to continue autonomous driving at level 4 or higher, which requires constant monitoring. However, according to the above configuration, when request information is received, the throughput is preferentially increased when the priority vehicle 1a (e.g., emergency vehicle, public transportation vehicle) communicates at the communication failure point S. As a result, the priority vehicle 1a can transmit images without delay regardless of the usage status of other communication devices. In other words, the priority vehicle 1a can stably perform autonomous driving at level 4 or higher.

[0062] <Third Invention: Reservation Acceptance Method> Next, a reservation acceptance method according to an embodiment of the fourth invention will be described.

[0063] [Reservation acceptance procedure] As shown in FIG. 9, the reservation acceptance method includes a prediction step S1, an acquisition step S2, an identification step S3, a judgment step S4, a search step S5, a second identification step S6, a second judgment step S7, a second search step S8, a presentation step S9, a third identification step S10, a setting step S11, a request step S12, and a notification step S13.

[0064] (Prediction step) In the initial prediction step S1, the prediction model 322 is used to generate predicted distribution information 221 from past distribution information. This prediction step S1 can be performed, for example, by using the remote monitoring device 3 or the reservation reception device 2. In the reservation reception method according to the present embodiment, this prediction step S1 is performed periodically (for example, once a day). In the reservation reception method, the prediction step S1 may be performed irregularly (for example, every time a reservation for the vehicle 1 is received). In addition, the reservation reception method may have a learning step of constructing the prediction model 322 before this prediction step S1. In addition, in a determination step S4 described later, when determining whether or not a communication failure point S exists on the travel route using past communication information for a corresponding time period, the reservation reception method may not have this prediction step S1.

[0065] (Acquisition step) After generating the predictive distribution information 221, the process proceeds to an acquisition step S2. In the acquisition step S2, the departure point and destination of the vehicle 1 are acquired. This acquisition step S2 can be performed, for example, by the terminal device M transmitting the departure point and destination, which are then received by the reservation reception device 2. In the reservation reception method according to this embodiment, this acquisition step S2 is performed every time the departure point and destination are input to the terminal device M. Note that, if the travel route of the vehicle 1 is only a predetermined travel route (the departure point and destination are fixed), the reservation reception method does not need to include this acquisition step S2.

[0066] (Specific step) After acquiring the departure point and destination of the vehicle 1, the process proceeds to a specification step S3. In the specification step S3, the travel route of the vehicle 1 is specified based on the departure point and destination acquired in the acquisition step S2. This specification step S3 can be performed, for example, by using the reservation reception device 2. In the reservation reception method according to this embodiment, this specification step S3 is performed every time the departure point and destination are acquired. Note that if the acquisition step S2 is not performed, the reservation reception method does not need to include this specification step S3.

[0067] (Decision step) After the travel route is specified, the process proceeds to a determination step S4. In the determination step S4, it is determined whether or not a communication failure point S exists on the travel route of the vehicle 1 specified in the specification step S3, based on the predicted distribution information 221. This determination step S4 can be performed, for example, by using the reservation reception device 2.

[0068] (Search step) If it is determined in the above judgment step S4 that a communication poor point S exists (step S4: YES), the process proceeds to a search step S5. In the search step S5, a detour route R1 is searched for and it is determined whether or not it has been found. This search step S5 can be performed, for example, by using the reservation reception device 2. Note that if it is determined that a communication poor point S exists and a request step S12, which will be described later, is immediately performed, the reservation reception method does not need to include this search step S5.

[0069] (Second Identification Step) If the detour route R1 is found in the search step S5 (step S5: YES), the process proceeds to a second identification step S6. In the second identification step S6, the found detour route R1 is identified as a travel route. This second identification step S6 can be performed, for example, by using the reservation reception device 2. Note that, if the search step S5 is not performed, the reservation reception method does not need to include this second identification step S6.

[0070] (Second decision step) If the detour route R1 is not found in the search step S5 (step S5: NO), the process proceeds to a second judgment step S7. In the second judgment step S7, it is judged whether the communication situation at the communication poor point S can be improved. This second judgment step S7 can be performed, for example, by using the reservation reception device 2. In the second judgment step S7 according to this embodiment, it is first judged whether the communication poor point S is in an environment where the communication situation can be improved by the communication control device 4 of the communication network 100b executing an increase control (step S71). Here, if it is judged that the communication poor point S is not in an environment where the communication situation can be improved (step S71: NO), it is judged that the communication situation at the communication poor point S is not in a situation where it can be improved (step S7: NO).

[0071] On the other hand, if it is determined that the communication poor location S is in an environment where the communication situation can be improved (step S71: YES), the communication control device 4 determines whether the conditions for executing the increase control are satisfied (step S72). Here, if it is determined that the conditions for executing the increase control are not satisfied (step S72: NO), it is determined that the communication situation at the communication poor location S is not in a situation where it can be improved (step S7: NO). Note that if a request step S12 described later is immediately performed when the detour route R1 cannot be found, or if the above search step S5 is not included, the reservation acceptance method does not need to include this second judgment step S7.

[0072] (Second search step) If it is determined in the second judgment step S7 that the communication situation at the communication poor location S is not in a state where it can be improved (step S71: NO, step S72: NO), the process proceeds to a second search step S8. In the second search step S8, a second detour route R2 is searched for and it is determined whether or not it has been found. This second search step S8 can be performed, for example, by using the reservation reception device 2. Note that if it is determined that the communication situation at the communication poor location S is not in a state where it can be improved, a request step S12 (described later) is immediately performed, or if the second judgment step S7 is not performed, the reservation reception method does not need to have this second search step S8.

[0073] (Presentation step) If the second detour route R2 is found in the second search step S8 (step S8: YES), the process proceeds to a presentation step S9. In the presentation step S9, a proposal for traveling on the second detour route R2 is presented to the user, and it is determined whether the user agrees to the proposal. This presentation step S9 can be performed, for example, by the reservation reception device 2 transmitting proposal information to the terminal device M, and the terminal device M receiving the proposal presenting the proposal for traveling on the second detour route R2 to the occupant. Also, this presentation step S9 can be performed by the terminal device M transmitting a signal indicating that a predetermined consent operation has been performed, and the reservation reception device 2 receiving the signal. Note that in this presentation step S9, the proposal may be presented to the occupant of the vehicle 1. Also, if the second judgment step S7 is not performed, the reservation reception method does not need to have this presentation step S9.

[0074] (Third Identification Step) If consent to the plan is obtained in the above-mentioned presentation step S9 (step S9: YES), the process proceeds to a third identification step S10. In the third identification step S10, the second detour route R2 is identified as the travel route. This third identification step S10 can be performed, for example, by using the reservation reception device 2. Note that, if the above-mentioned presentation step S9 is not performed, the reservation reception method does not need to have this third identification step S10.

[0075] (Setup Step) After the travel route is specified in the specifying steps S3, S6, and S10, the process proceeds to a setting step S11. In the setting step S11, the specified travel route (including the detour route R1, the second detour route R2, and the third detour route) is set in the vehicle 1. This setting step S11 can be performed, for example, by the reservation acceptance device 2 transmitting route information indicating the travel route, which is then received and set by the vehicle 1.

[0076] (Request Step) If it is determined in the above-mentioned determination step S4 that a communication poor point S exists, the process proceeds to a request step S12. In the request step S12, a request is made to the communication network 100b to execute the increase control. This request step S12 can be performed by the above-mentioned reservation reception device 2 transmitting request information, which is received by the above-mentioned communication control device 4. As described above, the reservation reception method according to this embodiment has a search step S5 and a second determination step S7. Therefore, the reservation reception method according to this embodiment requests the execution of the increase control when it is determined that a communication poor point S exists and the search unit 234 has not found a detour route R1 (step S5: NO). Also, the reservation reception method according to this embodiment requests the execution of the increase control when it is determined that a communication poor point S exists and the search unit 234 has not found a detour route R1 and the condition for executing the increase control is satisfied (step S72: YES).

[0077] (Notification step) When the travel route is set for the vehicle 1 in the setting step S11, if the second detour route R2 cannot be found in the second search step S8, the process proceeds to the notification step S13. Also, if agreement with the plan is not obtained after the presentation step S9, the process proceeds to the notification step S13. When the travel route is set for the vehicle 1 in the setting step S11, the notification step S13 notifies the user that the reservation for the vehicle 1 has been accepted. On the other hand, if the second detour route R2 cannot be found in the second search step S8, or if agreement with the plan is not obtained after the presentation step S9, the notification step S13 notifies the user that the reservation for the vehicle 1 cannot be accepted. This notification step S13 can be performed by the reservation reception device 2 transmitting reservation completion information or reservation impossible information to the terminal device M.

[0078] [Effects of the vehicle reservation notification method] When remote monitoring of the vehicle 1 is performed using the existing communication network 100b shared with other communication devices (such as mobile phones) (without constructing a dedicated communication network), a communication failure point S may occur on the driving route depending on the usage status of the other communication devices. When the communication failure point S occurs, a delay may occur in the transmission of images from the vehicle 1 to the remote monitoring device 3. If a delay occurs in the transmission of images, it becomes impossible to continue autonomous driving at level 4 or higher, which requires constant monitoring. However, according to the reservation reception method described above, when a communication failure point S exists on the driving route, a request is made to the communication network 100b to execute an increase control. This allows the communication network 100b to preferentially increase the throughput when the priority vehicle 1a (e.g., an emergency vehicle, a public transportation vehicle) communicates at the communication failure point S. As a result, the priority vehicle 1a can transmit images without delay regardless of the usage status of other communication devices. That is, the priority vehicle 1a can stably perform autonomous driving at level 4 or higher.

[0079] <First, second invention, etc.> The functions of at least one of the reservation reception device 2, the remote monitoring device 3, and the communication control device 4 (hereinafter, the device) can be realized by a program for making a computer function as the device, and for making a computer function as each control block of the device (particularly each unit included in at least one of the reservation side control unit 23, the monitoring side control unit 34, and the control side control unit 43). In this case, the device includes a computer having at least one communication control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., a memory) as hardware for executing the program. The functions described in the above embodiment are realized by executing the program by this communication control device and the storage device. The program may be recorded in one or more computer-readable recording media, not temporarily. The recording media may or may not be included in the device. In the latter case, the program may be supplied to the device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0080] In addition, some or all of the functions of each of the control blocks can be realized by a logic circuit. For example, an integrated circuit in which a logic circuit that functions as each of the control blocks is formed is also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, the functions of each of the control blocks can be realized by, for example, a quantum computer.

[0081] In addition, the effects of each aspect of the present invention described above will contribute to the achievement of, for example, Goal 3 "Ensure good health and well-being for all" and Goal 11 "Sustainable cities and communities" of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) advocated by the United Nations.

[0082] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 100 Demand-responsive transportation system 100a Reservation and monitoring system 1 vehicle 1a Priority Car 1b Second priority vehicle 2 Reservation reception device (processing device) 21 Reservation Communication Department 22 Reservation side memory section 23 Reservation side control section 231 Acquisition Department 232 Specific part 233 Booking Judgment Department 234 Search Department 235 Second reservation side judgment unit 236 Second Exploration Department 237 Presentation control unit 238 Reservation side reception control unit (reception control unit) 239 Setting control section 240 Reservation side transmission control section 3. Remote monitoring equipment 31 Monitoring communication unit 32 Monitoring side storage unit 321 Database 33 Output section 34 Monitoring control section 341 Monitoring side receiving control section 342 Prediction Department 343 Monitoring side transmission control section 344 Output control section 100b Communication Network 4. Communication control device 41 Control communication unit 42 Control side memory unit 43 Control section 431 Control side reception control unit (reception control unit) 432 Control side judgment unit (judgment unit) 433 Network Control Section 434 Second Judgment Department 435 Control side transmission control section 5 base station

Claims

1. A communication control device constituting a communication network, a communication unit that communicates with a processing device that transmits request information to request execution of an increase control for increasing a throughput allocated to communication of the vehicle at a communication failure location on a driving route of the vehicle that performs automatic driving while communicating via the communication network where the communication situation is below a predetermined standard; and a reception control unit that controls the communication unit to receive the request information from the processing device; a determination unit that, when the communication unit receives the request information, determines whether the vehicle corresponding to the request information is a priority vehicle based on identification information that identifies the vehicle; and a network control unit that executes the increase control when the determination unit determines that the vehicle is the priority vehicle; and a second determination unit that determines whether or not a second priority vehicle different from the priority vehicle is traveling within the first radio wave zone before the priority vehicle enters the first radio wave zone; a transmission control unit that transmits communication failure information indicating that the second priority vehicle is traveling within the radio wave range when the second determination unit determines that the second priority vehicle is traveling within the radio wave range and that the radio wave range becomes the communication failure location when the priority vehicle enters the radio wave range, to the processing device; A communication control device comprising:

2. A communication control program for causing a computer to function as the communication control device described in claim 1, comprising the communication control program for causing a computer to function as the communication unit, the reception control unit, the judgment unit, the network control unit, the second judgment unit and the transmission control unit.

3. A communication unit that communicates with the communication control device according to claim 1; a determination unit that determines whether or not there is a communication failure location where the communication situation is below a predetermined standard on a driving route of a vehicle that performs autonomous driving while communicating via a communication network, based on a future distribution of communication situations in a driving area of ​​the vehicle, the distribution being predicted by a prediction model constructed by machine learning; a transmission control unit that controls the communication unit to transmit, to the communication control device, request information for increasing control for increasing a throughput allocated to communication of the vehicle at the communication poor location when the determination unit determines that the communication poor location exists; and An acquisition unit that acquires a departure time of the vehicle; Equipped with the determination unit determines whether or not the communication poor location exists during a time period when the vehicle travels on the travel route based on a distribution of communication conditions for each time period in the travelable area predicted by the prediction model; A processing device.

4. An acquisition unit that acquires a departure point and a destination point of the vehicle; An identification unit that identifies a travel route of the vehicle based on the departure point and the destination; The processing device of claim 3 .

5. The communication unit is configured to communicate with a terminal device, The acquisition unit acquires the departure point and the destination by controlling the communication unit to receive the departure point and the destination input to the terminal device. The processing device according to claim 4 .

6. a search unit that searches for a detour route that can reach the destination without passing through the communication poor location in the same travel time as traveling along the travel route when the determination unit determines that the communication poor location exists, When the search unit finds the detour route, the identification unit identifies the detour route as the travel route; the transmission control unit controls the communication unit to transmit the request information to the communication control device when the search unit fails to find the detour route. The processing device according to claim 4 .

7. a second determination unit that determines whether or not the communication situation at the communication failure location can be improved when the search unit fails to find the detour route; a second search unit that searches for a second detour route that can reach the destination without passing through the communication poor location but requires a longer driving time than if the vehicle were to travel on the travel route, when the second determination unit determines that the communication situation at the communication poor location is not in a state where it can be improved; a presentation control unit that executes control to present a proposal for traveling on the second detour route; Equipped with The identification unit identifies the second detour route as the travel route when consent to the plan is obtained. The processing device of claim 6.

8. The communication unit is configured to communicate with the vehicle via the communication network, A setting control unit that executes control for setting the travel route identified by the identification unit in the vehicle.

8. The processing apparatus according to claim 4, 6 or 7.

9. a reception control unit that controls the communication unit to receive data on communication conditions along a travel route from each of the vehicles; A database that accumulates the data as a distribution of past communication conditions in a travelable area of ​​the vehicle; a prediction unit that predicts a future distribution of communication states from the distribution of the past communication states by using a prediction model constructed by machine learning; The processing device of claim 8 .

10. a second reception control unit that controls the communication unit to receive a notification from the communication control device that a second priority vehicle different from the priority vehicle is traveling within a radio wave range and that the radio wave range will become the communication poor location when the priority vehicle enters the radio wave range; When the communication unit receives the notification, the identification unit identifies a third detour route that does not pass through the radio wave area as a travel route for the priority vehicle. The processing device according to claim 4 .

11. A processing program for causing a computer to function as the processing device according to claim 3, the processing program causing a computer to function as the communication unit, the determination unit, the transmission control unit, and the acquisition unit.

Images