Information Processing Apparatus and Information Processing Method

Abstract

To provide an information processing device and information processing method, which allow for determining parameters related to loading and unloading of packages according to attributes of users.SOLUTION: In a mobile locker system, an information processing device for controlling a vehicle designed to provide package storage service as a mobile locker is configured to determine parameters related to loading and unloading of packages according to attributes of users of the service and transmit instructions including the parameters to the vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a luggage storage service provided by a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Attempts have been made to provide services by dispatching self-driving vehicles designed for various applications. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an invention related to a system that enables luggage to be deposited and retrieved at various locations by operating a self-driving vehicle equipped with a coin locker.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure aims to improve the convenience of the luggage storage service provided by a vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A first aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing apparatus that controls a vehicle providing a luggage storage service, the apparatus having a control unit that determines parameters related to loading and unloading of the luggage based on attributes of a user who uses the service, and transmits a command including the parameters to the vehicle.

[0006] Moreover, a second aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing method executed by an information processing apparatus that controls a vehicle providing a baggage storage service, the method including: determining parameters related to loading and unloading of the baggage based on attributes of a user using the service; and transmitting a command including the parameters to the vehicle.

[0007] As another aspect, there is provided a program for causing a computer to execute the above information processing method, or a computer-readable storage medium storing the program non-temporarily.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, the convenience of the baggage storage service provided by the vehicle can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 9A

Figure 9B

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] The information processing apparatus according to the embodiment is an apparatus that controls a vehicle equipped with a storage device for storing articles and travels. The vehicle is, for example, a moving body having a plurality of wheels and power. The storage device is a locker-type device having a plurality of compartments and capable of storing articles in each compartment. Each of the plurality of compartments may be independently lockable. The storage device mounted on the vehicle is also called a mobile locker. By operating the vehicle equipped with the storage device, the locker can be moved to a location desired by the user, and articles can be loaded and unloaded.

[0011] In a system that dispatches a vehicle to a user and stores articles by the vehicle, ensuring convenience is an issue. For example, depending on the positional relationship between the sidewalk and the roadway, the presence or absence of structures (such as steps), and the height of the compartment for storing articles (height from the floor surface), there may be cases where it is difficult for the user to access the vehicle (or the storage device). This problem can be particularly prominent depending on the attributes of the user receiving the service (for example, the user's motor ability, age, height, etc.). The information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure solves this problem.

[0012] An information processing apparatus according to an embodiment is an information processing apparatus that controls a vehicle that provides a luggage storage service, and determines a parameter related to loading and unloading of the luggage based on an attribute of a user who uses the service, and transmits a command including the parameter to the vehicle. It has a control unit that executes the above.

[0013] The user attributes may be, for example, age, gender, height, etc., or may be the degree of athletic ability or the presence or absence of physical disabilities. As parameters related to loading and unloading of luggage, for example, the location where the vehicle is dispatched (i.e., the location where the user loads and unloads luggage), the assigned position of the compartment in the storage device, etc. can be exemplified. By the control unit determining these parameters based on the user attributes, higher convenience can be provided when providing the service. For example, "when the user is elderly, dispatch the vehicle to a location where the user can access the storage device from the sidewalk over a short distance without exceeding a step" becomes possible.

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The configurations of the following embodiments are examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to the configurations of the embodiments.

[0015] (First Embodiment) The outline of the mobile locker system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The mobile locker system according to the present embodiment includes one or more vehicles 300 that perform autonomous driving, a server device 100 that controls the vehicle 300, and one or more user terminals 200.

[0016] The vehicle 300 is an autonomous driving vehicle equipped with a storage device 400. The storage device 400 is a locker-type device having a plurality of compartments and capable of storing luggage in each compartment. FIG. 2 shows the appearance of the storage device 400. As shown in the figure, the storage device 400 is configured to be able to access each compartment by a plurality of doors. The user of the system can perform an unlocking operation on the designated compartment via the interface provided on the storage device 400. The storage device 400 is mounted in the vehicle interior of the vehicle 300.

[0017] Vehicle 300 uses the installed storage device 400 to provide a service of storing luggage (hereinafter referred to as the storage service) for a predetermined user. The user can deposit and retrieve luggage at any location by calling vehicle 300 via server device 100. Note that vehicle 300 does not necessarily have to be a driverless vehicle. For example, a security guard or the like may be on board. Also, vehicle 300 does not necessarily have to be a vehicle capable of complete autonomous driving. For example, it may be a vehicle in which a person drives or assists in driving according to the situation.

[0018] Server device 100 is a device that manages the operation of vehicle 300. As described above, vehicle 300 can be equipped with storage device 400 and move autonomously. When server device 100 receives a vehicle dispatch request from user terminal 200 held by a user who deposits luggage, it determines the vehicle 300 to be dispatched to the user and instructs the vehicle to operate.

[0019] Server device 100, user terminal 200, and vehicle 300 are interconnected by a network. As the network, for example, a WAN (Wide Area Network), which is a global public communication network such as the Internet, or other communication networks may be adopted. Also, the network may include a telephone communication network such as a mobile phone or a wireless communication network such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0020] Next, the details of server device 100 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the system configuration of server device 100. Server device 100 includes a control unit 101, a storage unit 102, and a communication unit 103.

[0021] The server device 100 is composed of a general computer. That is, the server device 100 is a computer having a processor such as a CPU or GPU, a main storage device such as a RAM or ROM, and an auxiliary storage device such as an EPROM, a hard disk drive, or a removable media. The auxiliary storage device stores an operating system (OS), various programs, various tables, etc. The programs stored therein are loaded into the working area of the main storage device and executed, and by controlling each component etc. through the execution of the programs, various functions that meet a predetermined purpose as described later can be realized. However, some or all of the functions may be realized by a hardware circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA. Note that the server device 100 may be composed of a single computer, or may be composed of a plurality of computers that cooperate with each other.

[0022] The control unit 101 is an arithmetic unit that controls the operations performed by the server device 100. The control unit 101 can be realized by an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU. The control unit 101 is configured to have three functional modules: a vehicle management unit 1011, a reservation management unit 1012, and a command unit 1013. Each functional module may be realized by executing a program stored in the auxiliary storage means by the CPU.

[0023] The vehicle management unit 1011 collects information about the vehicle 300 and updates the database constructed in the storage unit 102. Specifically, the vehicle management unit 1011 periodically communicates with a plurality of vehicles 300 and collects information about the vehicle 300 and information about the storage device 400 mounted on the vehicle 300. The collected information is reflected in the database described later.

[0024] The reservation management unit 1012 receives a request for depositing and retrieving luggage (that is, a request to dispatch a vehicle. Hereinafter, a vehicle dispatch request), from the user terminal 20 It receives from 0. Further, when the reservation management unit 1012 receives a vehicle allocation request, it determines the location where the luggage is to be deposited and retrieved (i.e., the location where the vehicle 300 is to be dispatched. Hereinafter, the dispatch location), and the date and time thereof (hereinafter, the dispatch date and time), and generates an operation plan for the vehicle 300. The reservation management unit 1012 determines the dispatch location based on the map data 102D described later and the attributes of the users who use the storage service. Specific processing will be described later.

[0025] The operation plan is data that instructs the tasks to be executed for the vehicle 300. Examples of tasks include, for example, a task of receiving luggage from a user and a task of delivering luggage to a user. Each task is associated with a dispatch location and a dispatch date and time. The reservation management unit 1012 can generate an operation plan by combining a plurality of tasks, and the vehicle 300 can provide a service using a mobile locker by completing the tasks in order according to the operation plan. The reservation management unit 1012 generates an operation plan corresponding to either an operation for receiving luggage from a user or an operation for delivering luggage to a user for the vehicle 300.

[0026] The command unit 1013 commands the operation of the vehicle 300 by transmitting the generated operation plan to the target vehicle 300. The vehicle 300 performs autonomous driving according to the operation plan transmitted from the server device 100 and provides a service to the user.

[0027] The storage unit 102 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The main storage device is a memory in which programs executed by the control unit 101 and data used by the control programs are developed. The auxiliary storage device is a device in which programs executed in the control unit 101 and data used by the control programs are stored.

[0028] Furthermore, the storage unit 102 stores vehicle data 102A, operation plan data 102B, storage device data 102C, and map data 102D.

[0029] The vehicle data 102A is data that records the status of the vehicle 300 under the management of the server device 100. FIG. 4(A) is an example of the vehicle data 102A. The vehicle data 102A includes a vehicle identifier, an update date and time, and status information. The status information is a field in which data representing the current state of the vehicle 300 is stored. Specifically, the position information of the vehicle 300, information about the tasks completed by the vehicle 300 so far, information about the tasks to be performed by the vehicle 300 in the future, the remaining battery level and the travelable distance of the vehicle 300, information about the planned route of the vehicle 300, etc. are stored. The vehicle data 102A is periodically updated by data (hereinafter referred to as status data) transmitted from the vehicle 300.

[0030] The operation plan data 102B is data that records the operation plan generated by the reservation management unit 1012. FIG. 4(B) is an example of the operation plan data 102B. The operation plan data 102B is defined for each vehicle 300, and a serial number, a task type ("deposit" or "withdrawal"), a dispatch location, a dispatch date and time, an identifier of the user using the service, etc. are recorded. The serial number is a number that uniquely identifies the use of the service. The serial number is assigned by the system each time the operation plan of the vehicle 300 is generated. The vehicle 300 provides a service to the user by sequentially executing the tasks included in the operation plan transmitted from the server device 100.

[0031] In the illustrated example, a vehicle having an identifier of V001 (1) picks up luggage from the user "U001" at point A exactly at 12:00, (2) picks up luggage from the user "U002" at point B exactly at 13:00, (3) delivers the luggage to the user "U001" at point C exactly at 15:00, (4) It is shown that the luggage will be delivered to the user "U002" at point D exactly at 18:00.

[0032] The storage device data 102C is data that records the state of the storage device 400 mounted on the target vehicle 300. FIG. 4(C) is an example of the storage device data 102C. The storage device data 102C is defined for each vehicle 300, and information about a plurality of compartments of the storage device 400 (such as the size of the compartment, the occupancy state (whether it is in use or not), the identifier of the user, etc.) is recorded. The storage device data 102C is updated based on the status data transmitted from the vehicle 300.

[0033] The map data 102D is a database that stores data related to the road network on which the vehicle 300 travels. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the structure of the map data 102D. The map data 102D includes two types of data: a first map and a second map. The first map includes road map data. In the first map, for example, data related to road links, data related to nodes, data related to intersections, data related to facilities, data for searching for locations, etc. are stored. Thereby, for example, the definition of a plurality of road segments, the position information and connection relationship of each road segment, etc. can be stored. A road segment is a road on which the vehicle 300 can travel, divided into predetermined unit intervals. Also, the first map may store information related to speed limits, etc., and information related to the attributes of the road (for example, whether parking or stopping for loading and unloading of goods is legally possible). The first map may also include data about areas within private land where parking is permitted.

[0034] The second map is a map associated with data related to the convenience when a user who is a pedestrian accesses the vehicle 300 parked on the roadway. The convenience when a user accesses a vehicle can vary depending on the location where the vehicle is parked. For example, when the sidewalk and the road are physically separated, or when there is a step between the sidewalk and the road, it can be said that the convenience for accessing the vehicle is lower compared to when this is not the case. Also, when there is a structure such as a guardrail between the road and the sidewalk, since luggage has to be carried over the guardrail, it can be said that the convenience for accessing the vehicle is lower compared to when this is not the case. Furthermore, when the location where the vehicle is parked is private land and the location is far from the road (for example, when loading and unloading luggage in an underground parking lot), it can be said that the convenience for accessing the vehicle is lower compared to when loading and unloading luggage is possible on a public road.

[0035] The second map is data that maps the value (evaluation value) obtained by scoring such "convenience when a user accesses a vehicle" on a map. In the second map, for example, evaluation values are given to a plurality of points based on factors such as the road width of the road, the amount of obstacles, the presence or absence and height of steps, traffic volume, and the distance from the public road (sidewalk) to the vehicle. Note that the degree of convenience can also be rephrased as the degree of labor (or physical load) required when depositing luggage in the vehicle. At a location with high convenience, compared to a location with low convenience, luggage can be deposited or picked up with less labor (physical load).

[0036] These data are used when determining the dispatch location of the vehicle 300. Based on the first map and the second map, it is possible to distinguish an appropriate location as the dispatch location or an inappropriate location as the dispatch location.

[0037] The database that stores these data is constructed by a program of a database management system (DBMS) executed by a processor managing the data stored in a storage device. The database used in this embodiment is, for example, a relational database.

[0038] The communication unit 103 is a communication interface for connecting the server device 100 to a network. The communication unit 103 is configured to include, for example, a network interface board or a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication.

[0039] Next, the user terminal 200 will be described. The user terminal 200 is a computer owned by a user who uses the deposit service. The user can access the server device 100 via the user terminal 200 and request the dispatch of the vehicle 300 for depositing and retrieving luggage. The user terminal 200 is, for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a personal information terminal, or the like.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the user terminal 200. The user terminal 200 includes a control unit 201, a storage unit 202, a communication unit 203, and an input / output unit 204.

[0041] The control unit 201 is an arithmetic device that controls the operations performed by the user terminal 200. The control unit 201 can be realized by an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). It can be realized. The control unit 201 executes a function of accessing the server device 100 and performing an interaction. This function may be realized by a web browser operating on the user terminal 200 or dedicated application software.

[0042] The storage unit 202 is configured to include a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The main storage device is a memory in which a program executed by the control unit 201 and data used by the control program are expanded. The auxiliary storage device is a device in which a program executed by the control unit 201 and data used by the control program are stored. The auxiliary storage device may store a program executed by the control unit 201 packaged as an application. Also, an operating system for executing these applications may be stored. The program stored in the auxiliary storage device is loaded into the main storage device and executed by the control unit 201, whereby the processes described hereinafter are performed.

[0043] The main storage device may include a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory). Also, the auxiliary storage device may include an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM) and a hard disk drive (HDD, Hard Disk Drive). Furthermore, the auxiliary storage device may include a removable medium, that is, a portable recording medium. The storage unit 202 stores authentication information for authenticating the user when checking in / out luggage.

[0044] The communication unit 203 is a wireless communication interface for connecting the user terminal 200 to a network. The communication unit 203 is configured to be able to communicate with the server device 100 via, for example, a wireless LAN or mobile communication services such as 3G, LTE, 5G.

[0045] The input / output unit 204 is a unit that receives an input operation performed by the user and presents information to the user. In the present embodiment, it consists of a single touch panel display. That is, it is composed of a liquid crystal display and its control means, and a touch panel and its control means. Further, the input / output unit 204 may have additional means for exchanging authentication information with the storage device 400. For example, it may have a camera for reading two-dimensional barcodes, short-range communication means for performing wireless transmission, and the like.

[0046] Next, the vehicle 300 and the storage device 400 mounted on the vehicle 300 will be described. The vehicle 300 is a vehicle platform that autonomously travels under the control of the server device 100. Specifically, it determines a travel route based on the operation plan transmitted from the server device 100 and travels on the road in an appropriate manner while sensing the surroundings of the vehicle. Also, at the destination, it executes predetermined tasks related to the storage service (storage and delivery of luggage).

[0047] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the vehicle 300 and the storage device 400. The vehicle 300 includes a control device 301, a sensor 302, a communication unit 303, a drive unit 304, a position information acquisition unit 305, and a storage device 400. The vehicle 300 and the storage device 400 operate with electric power supplied from a battery.

[0048] The control device 301 is a computer that controls the vehicle 300 based on information acquired from the sensor 302 described later. The control device 301 is constituted by, for example, a computer having a CPU and a storage device.

[0049] The control device 301 has, as functional modules, a route generation unit 3011, a travel control unit 3012, and a task control unit 3013. Each functional module may be realized by executing a program stored in a storage means such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) thereby.

[0050] Based on the operation plan transmitted from the server device 100, the route generation unit 3011 generates a driving route for the host vehicle. The route generation unit 3011 generates a driving route so that the dispatch point specified in the operation plan can be toured according to the specified schedule. The route may be generated by referring to pre-stored map data, or may be generated using an external service.

[0051] The driving control unit 3012 senses the surroundings of the vehicle and controls the driving of the host vehicle based on the obtained data. Based on the data acquired by the sensor 302, the driving control unit 3012 detects the environment around the vehicle and generates environment data. The detection targets include, for example, the number and position of lanes, the number and position of vehicles existing around the host vehicle, the number and position of obstacles (such as pedestrians, bicycles, structures, buildings, etc.) existing around the host vehicle, the road structure, road signs, etc., but are not limited thereto. Any object that is necessary for autonomous driving may be a detection target. The driving control unit controls the autonomous driving of the vehicle using the generated environment data and the position information of the host vehicle acquired by the position information acquisition unit 305 described later. For example, the vehicle is driven along a predetermined route and the host vehicle is driven so that no obstacle enters a predetermined safety area centered on the host vehicle. A known method can be adopted for the method of driving the vehicle autonomously.

[0052] The task control unit 3013 controls the tasks executed by the vehicle 300. The task is a task for providing a storage service to the user using the storage device 400, and is typically a "task of receiving luggage from the user" and a "task of delivering luggage to the user". Note that the task control unit 3013 may execute tasks associated therewith. The task control unit 3013 may execute, for example, a task of calling the user, a task of authenticating the user, etc. perform.

[0053] Furthermore, the task control unit 3013 periodically transmits data representing its own status (hereinafter referred to as status data) to the server device 100. The status data includes, for example, the following information. · The identifier of vehicle 300 · The location information of vehicle 300 · Information regarding tasks completed so far · Information regarding remaining tasks · Current battery remaining level (SOC) or remaining travel distance · Information regarding the operation route (when the vehicle is in operation) · Information regarding the luggage stored in storage device 400 Based on the received status data, the server device 100 (vehicle management unit 1011) updates the vehicle data 102A and the storage device data 102C.

[0054] The sensor 302 is a means for sensing the surroundings of the vehicle and typically includes a camera, a laser scanner, LIDAR, radar, etc. The information acquired by the sensor 302 is transmitted to the control device 301. The sensor 302 includes sensors for performing autonomous driving. The sensor 302 may include a camera provided on the vehicle 300. For example, it can include a photographing device using an image sensor such as Charged-Coupled Devices (CCD), Metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS), or Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS). It can include a device.

[0055] The communication unit 303 is a communication means for connecting the vehicle 300 to a network. In this embodiment, mobile communication services such as 3G, LTE, and 5G can be used to communicate with other devices (such as the server device 100) via the network. Note that the communication unit 303 may further have a communication means for performing vehicle-to-vehicle communication with other vehicles.

[0056] The drive unit 304 is a means for driving the vehicle 300 based on the command generated by the travel control unit 3012. The drive unit 304 includes, for example, a motor, an inverter, a brake, a steering mechanism, a secondary battery, etc. for driving the wheels.

[0057] The position information acquisition unit 305 is a means for acquiring the position information of the vehicle 300, and typically includes a GPS antenna, a GPS module, etc. The information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 305 is transmitted to the control device 301.

[0058] The storage device 400 is a locker-type device having a plurality of compartments and capable of storing luggage in each compartment. As described with reference to FIG. 2, the storage device 400 is configured to be able to access each independent compartment by a plurality of doors. The storage device 400 is connected to the control device 301, and its operation (such as user authentication and locking / unlocking) is controlled by the control device 301 (task control unit 3013). The storage device 400 has an input / output unit and can interact with the user using the input / output unit. The input / output unit typically includes a touch panel, a liquid crystal display, a keyboard, etc.

[0059] Next, a method for the mobile locker system according to the present embodiment to provide a storage service will be described. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram of the processes executed by the components included in the system.

[0060] During operation, the vehicle 300 periodically generates status data and transmits it to the server device 10 0. The status data includes, in addition to the state of the vehicle 300, information on tasks completed so far, information on luggage stored in the storage device 400, etc. The server device 100 (vehicle management unit 1011) that has received the status data updates the vehicle data 102A and the storage device data 102C based on the received status data (step S10).

[0061] When a user who wishes to deposit / retrieve luggage generates a vehicle dispatch request via the user terminal 200 (step S11), the vehicle dispatch request is transmitted to the server device 100. The vehicle dispatch request includes the type of request ("deposit" or "retrieve"), the area where vehicle dispatch is desired for the vehicle 300, the time period when vehicle dispatch is desired for the vehicle 300, information regarding the size of the luggage, and the like. FIG. 9A is an example of a screen presented by the user terminal 200 at the time of generating the vehicle dispatch request, and FIG. 9B is an example of a generated vehicle dispatch request. The area where vehicle dispatch is desired can be specified, for example, by a circle centered on a predetermined point. Instead of the area where vehicle dispatch is desired, the point where vehicle dispatch is desired may be input.

[0062] In step S12, the reservation management unit 1012 acquires the user attributes of the user who transmitted the vehicle dispatch request. The user attributes may be held in advance by the server device 100. For example, the server device 100 may store user information data including the user attributes of each user. In this case, the server device 100 can acquire the user attributes by searching the user information data using the user ID included in the vehicle dispatch request as a key. Examples of user attributes include age, gender, height, presence and degree of physical disability, presence and degree of walking disability, and presence or absence of use of walking aids (such as canes and wheelchairs). Note that the user attributes may be included in the vehicle dispatch request. In this case, on the user terminal 200, information regarding the user attributes may be made inputtable. Note that the information regarding the user attributes may be the user attributes themselves, such as age or presence of disability, or may be something like "Desire vehicle dispatch to a barrier-free location because of low motor ability." That is, the information regarding the user attributes may be information indicating a desire for vehicle dispatch to a location having a predetermined attribute.

[0063] In step S13, the reservation management unit 1012 determines the vehicle 300 to be dispatched to the user based on the vehicle allocation request. When the type of the request is "pickup", the vehicle 300 storing the user's luggage is determined as the dispatch target. When the type of the request is "drop-off", the vehicle 300 to be dispatched to the user is determined by referring to the vehicle data 102A and the storage device data 102C. Specifically, a vehicle 300 equipped with a storage device 400 that can be dispatched within a specified time zone and can store luggage of a specified size at a specified area (or a specified location) is determined as the dispatch target. Note that the previously received vehicle allocation requests may be stored in the storage unit 202 until a predetermined period elapses (for example, until the use of the service is completed).

[0064] In this step, among the multiple compartments of the storage device 400, a compartment capable of storing luggage may be pre-assigned to the user who sent the vehicle allocation request. The compartments capable of storing luggage can be determined by referring to the storage device data 102C. For example, when there are multiple empty compartments capable of storing luggage, one of them may be assigned to the user. When the storage device 400 has multiple compartments of different sizes, the assigned compartment may be determined based on the size of the luggage to be deposited. Therefore, the reservation management unit 1012 may acquire the size of the luggage to be deposited in advance. The size of the luggage to be deposited may be specifiable by the user terminal 200 as shown in, for example, FIG. 9A. When the compartment assignment is performed in advance, the data identifying the assigned compartment is added to the operation plan. Also, it is recorded in the storage device data 102C that the compartment is reserved. In step S14, the reservation management unit 1012 refers to the operation plan data associated with the vehicle 300 determined in step S12, and determines the dispatch location and dispatch date / time of the vehicle 300.

[0065] ​FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing in detail the processing executed by the reservation management unit 1012 in step S14.

[0066] First, in step S141, referring to the first map, within the area specified by the user (or in the vicinity of the specified point), road segments where parking or stopping for loading and unloading of luggage is legally possible are extracted. The road segments can be obtained by dividing the road into unit intervals. Next, in step S142, referring to the second map, within the area specified by the user (or in the vicinity of the specified point), points having an evaluation value exceeding the threshold corresponding to the user's attributes are extracted. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the threshold of the evaluation value for each user attribute.

[0067] FIG. 11(A) is an example when the threshold is defined for each user age. In this example, the higher the user's age, the higher the threshold of the evaluation value. That is, the higher the user's age, the more points with higher evaluation values (more convenient points) are extraction targets. FIG. 11(B) is an example when the threshold is defined based on the presence or absence of a disability. In this example, when the user has a walking disability or a standing disability, a higher threshold is obtained. That is, when the user has a physical disability, points with higher evaluation values are extraction targets. FIG. 11(C) is an example when the threshold is defined based on the presence or absence of a walking aid. In this example, when the user is using a walking aid, a higher threshold is obtained compared to the case where the user is not using a walking aid. That is, when the user is using a cane or a walking stick, points with higher evaluation values are extraction targets.

[0068] In step S143, the points extracted in step S142 that are included in the road segments extracted in step S141 are specified as candidate points. If there is one or more candidate points, the process proceeds to step S144. If there are no candidate points, the process ends. In step S144, a dispatch location is determined from one or more candidate locations. In this step, the dispatch location may be determined based on the evaluation values associated with the one or more candidate locations. For example, among the plurality of extracted locations, the location with the highest evaluation value (in other words, the most convenient location) may be set as the dispatch location. Since the evaluation value is given based on, for example, the road width of the road, the amount of obstacles, the presence or absence and height of steps, the traffic volume, the distance from the road (sidewalk) to the vehicle, etc., a more appropriate location can be determined as the dispatch location.

[0069] In step S145, the dispatch date and time are determined. The dispatch date and time are selected, for example, from the time zone specified by the user and the time zone when the selected vehicle 300 can arrive at the dispatch location.

[0070] Returning to FIG. 8, the description will continue. The determined dispatch location and dispatch date and time are notified to the user terminal 200 and presented to the user. Note that if the dispatch location and dispatch date and time cannot meet the user's wishes, the server device 100 and the user terminal 200 may interact to correct at least one of the dispatch location and dispatch date and time.

[0071] Next, in step S15, the reservation management unit 1012 generates or updates the operation plan corresponding to the vehicle 300. Here, if the target vehicle 300 is on standby, the reservation management unit 1012 generates a new operation plan corresponding to the vehicle 300. If the target vehicle 300 is in operation, that is, if the operation plan of the vehicle 300 has already been generated, the new task determined in step S14 is added to the operation plan. The operation plan corresponding to the vehicle 300 is transmitted to the vehicle 300. The generated operation plan is reflected in the operation plan data 102B.

[0072] ​Note that in this step, the reservation management unit 1012 may transmit data for authenticating the user to the vehicle 300 (storage device 400). For example, the reservation management unit 1012 may generate authentication information for unlocking / locking the section of the storage device 400 assigned to the user and transmit it to the vehicle 300 (and the user terminal 200). The authentication information is data for authenticating the user at the time of depositing and picking up luggage. The authentication information may be transmitted only to the vehicle 300 (storage device 400). In this case, the storage device 400 can authenticate the user who deposits / retrieves luggage, for example, by checking the individual number of the user terminal 200 based on the authentication information. Alternatively, the authentication information may be transmitted to both the vehicle 300 (storage device 400) and the user terminal 200. In this case, the storage device 400 can authenticate the user who deposits / retrieves luggage, for example, by checking whether the authentication information transmitted from the user terminal 200 matches the authentication information it has.

[0073] In step S16, the vehicle 300 (control device 301) receives an operation plan. The control device 301 moves and executes tasks according to the received operation plan.

[0074] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the processing performed by the vehicle 300 that has received the operation plan. This processing starts when the vehicle 300 receives the operation plan from the server device 100. First, in step S21, the vehicle 300 (route generation unit 3011) generates a driving route for executing the unprocessed tasks based on the received operation plan.

[0075] In step S22, the driving control unit 3012 starts driving toward the target point (i.e., the dispatch point designated by the server device 100) according to the generated route.

[0076] When the vehicle 300 approaches the target point (step S23), the driving control unit 3012 stops the vehicle and executes a task (step S24). The task is either a task of receiving luggage from the user or a task of delivering luggage to the user.

[0077] When the task is completed, the driving control unit 3012 determines the presence or absence of the next target point according to the operation plan (step S25). If there is a next target point, the operation continues. If there is no next target point (when all tasks included in the operation plan are completed), the vehicle returns to the base.

[0078] Next, the details of the process executed by the vehicle 300 in step S24 will be described. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram of the processes executed by each component of the system when the user deposits and retrieves luggage. The illustrated process is started by the task control unit 3013 at the timing when the vehicle 300 stops to pick up the user who deposits / retrieves luggage.

[0079] First, in step S31, user authentication is performed. When the user arrives at the vehicle 300 parked at a predetermined location, the storage device 400 performs user authentication. User authentication may be performed by comparing the first authentication information (e.g., password) acquired via the input / output unit with the second authentication information (e.g., hashed password) stored in advance. The first authentication information may be acquired as character data via a keyboard or a touch panel, or may be acquired as image data via a camera or a scanner. Alternatively, user authentication may be performed by the storage device 400 communicating with the user terminal 200. In this case, the first authentication information is acquired from the user terminal 200, and the legitimacy of the user can be confirmed by comparing the first authentication information with the second authentication information stored in advance. If the user authentication is successful, the process transitions to step S32. If the authentication fails, the process ends. Here, it was confirmed that the user who boarded the vehicle 300 is a pre-registered user. However, in a system that does not require user registration, such as when payment of usage fees can be made on the spot using electronic money or the like, user authentication is not essential.

[0080] When user authentication is completed, in step S32, storage or retrieval of luggage is executed. If a section for storing luggage has not been assigned in advance, in this step, a section for storing luggage may be determined. The section for storing luggage may be determined based on the size of the luggage. For example, if the size of the luggage is known in advance, a section of a suitable size may be assigned. Also, the user may specify the section for storing luggage. Note that if a section for storing luggage has been assigned in advance, the process of determining the section may be omitted. When the storage of luggage is completed, the section where the luggage is deposited is locked.

[0081] Also, when retrieving luggage, in this step, based on the authentication result, the section where the luggage is deposited is unlocked and the luggage is retrieved.

[0082] In step S33, status data is generated and transmitted to the server device 100. The status data includes information about the luggage stored in the storage device 400, for example, the occupancy status of a plurality of sections, the weight of the luggage, the identifier of the user in use, and the like. The server device 100 that has received the status data reflects the data in the storage device data 102C (step S34).

[0083] When luggage is retrieved in step S33, in step S35, the server device 100 settles the usage fees. The usage fees can be determined based on the size of the luggage, the storage period, and the like. The billing destination is the user authenticated in step S31. In this step, the usage fees may be billed by communicating with an external device that settles the fees. When the settlement of the usage fees is completed, a usage completion notice is transmitted to the user terminal 200. In a system that does not require user registration, such as when payment of usage fees can be made on the spot using electronic money or the like, the process of step S35 is not essential.

[0084] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the server device 100 determines a preferable dispatch location of the vehicle 300 based on the first map and the second map. That is, based on information regarding the attributes of the user and information regarding the convenience when the user accesses the vehicle, a location for loading and unloading luggage is determined. Thereby, it becomes possible to dispatch the vehicle 300 to a more suitable location as the location for loading and unloading luggage.

[0085] (Modification Example of the First Embodiment) In the first embodiment, the dispatch location of the vehicle 300 is determined based on the age of the user and the presence or absence of a disability. On the other hand, the dispatch location of the vehicle 300 may be determined based on the motor ability of the user or the degree of disability of the user. For example, when the motor ability of the user is lower, a location with a higher evaluation value may be determined as the dispatch location. Also , when the degree of disability of the user is higher, a location with a higher evaluation value may be determined as the dispatch location. The motor ability of the user or the degree of disability of the user may be determined based on data input at the time of user registration.

[0086] Also, in the first embodiment, a map regarding the convenience when the user accesses the vehicle is used as the second map, but the second map may be a map including other information. For example, a map related to the safety when a user accesses a vehicle, such as the traffic volume in the vicinity, the amount of pedestrian traffic in the vicinity, and the brightness at night, may be used as the second map. In this case, for example, the dispatch location may be determined from areas (or road segments) where the traffic volume is below a predetermined value. The predetermined value can be determined based on user attributes. For example, when the user is an elderly person or a young child, a safer location may be determined as the dispatch location. This can ensure the safety of the user when loading and unloading luggage.

[0087] Also, the second map may not be a map associated with numerical values. For example, the second map may be a map representing a dispatch location suitable for a user with a predetermined attribute, such as "a map showing locations where users with walking disabilities can deposit luggage (for example, a map including barrier-free information)". In this way, the second map may include a plurality of maps corresponding to a plurality of user attributes respectively. In such a form, in step S142, after selecting a second map that matches the user attribute, the dispatch location can be determined using the selected second map.

[0088] (Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment, the dispatch location of the vehicle 300 was determined based on the attributes of the user using the service. In contrast, the second embodiment is an embodiment in which a section of the storage device 400 is assigned to the user based on the user's attributes. As shown in FIG. 2, the storage device 400 according to the embodiment has a certain height, so depending on the user's attributes, there may be sections that are not appropriate to be assigned. For example, for a young user or a user using a wheelchair, the upper section of the storage device 400 should not be assigned. On the contrary, for a healthy adult, there is less likely to be a problem even if the upper section is assigned.

[0089] In this embodiment, the server device 100 determines in advance the section to be assigned to the user by using the user attributes. The determination of the section can be performed based on, for example, data (hereinafter referred to as height data) associating the user attributes with the maximum height of the section (the maximum value of the height from the floor surface). FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the height limit of the section for each user attribute. FIG. 14(A) is an example when the height limit is defined for each age of the user. In this example, when the user is an elderly person or a child, a section located at a position lower than a predetermined height is assigned. FIG. 14(B) is an example when the height limit is defined based on the presence or absence of a disability. In this example, a height limit is provided when the user has a walking disability or a standing-up disability. That is, when the user has a physical disability, a section located at a position lower than a predetermined height is assigned. FIG. 14(C) is an example when the height limit is defined based on the presence or absence of a walking aid. In this example, a height limit is provided when the user is using a walking aid. That is, when the user is using a cane or a walking stick, a section located at a position lower than a predetermined height is assigned. The height data may be stored in advance in the storage unit 102. In this example, the maximum height of the section to be assigned is determined based on the age of the user and the presence or absence of a disability. However, the maximum height of the section to be assigned may be determined based on the motor ability of the user, the height of the user, or the degree of disability of the user.

[0090] In this embodiment, based on the user attributes acquired in step S12 and the height data stored in advance, the section is assigned to the user. In the illustrated example, for example, when the user is 70 years old or older, a section with a height of 80 cm or less from the floor surface is assigned. In addition, data for identifying the assigned section is included in the operation plan and transmitted to the vehicle 300. The vehicle 300 unlocks and locks the section in step S32 based on the data. If it is not possible to allocate a section with a specified height, the user may be notified to that effect and allowed to select whether to proceed with the procedure for using the service.

[0091] As described above, in the second embodiment, based on the user attributes, the maximum height of the section to be allocated to the user is determined. This makes it possible to allocate a section that is more accessible to the user and improve the convenience for the user.

[0092] (Modification example) The above embodiments are merely examples, and the present disclosure can be appropriately modified and implemented without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the processes and means described in the present disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

[0093] Also, the process described as being performed by one device may be shared and executed by a plurality of devices. Alternatively, the process described as being performed by different devices may be executed by one device. In a computer system, it is possible to flexibly change how each function is realized by what hardware configuration (server configuration).

[0094] The present disclosure can also be realized by supplying a computer program that implements the functions described in the above embodiments to a computer and causing one or more processors included in the computer to read and execute the program. Such a computer program may be provided to the computer by a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium connectable to the system bus of the computer, or may be provided to the computer via a network. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium includes, for example, any type of disk such as a magnetic disk (e.g., a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk drive (HDD), etc.), an optical disk (e.g., a CD-ROM, a DVD disk, a Blu-ray disk, etc.), a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), an EPROM, an EEPROM, a magnetic card, a flash memory, an optical card, and any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions.

Explanation of Signs

[0095] 100 ··· Server device 101, 201 ··· Control unit 102, 202 ··· Storage unit 103, 203, 303 ··· Communication unit 204 ··· Input / output unit 200 ··· User terminal 300 ··· Vehicle 301 ··· Control device 302 ··· Sensor 304 ··· Driving unit 305 ··· Position information acquisition unit 400 ··· Storage device

Claims

An information processing apparatus for controlling a vehicle that provides a baggage storage service using a storage device having a plurality of compartments, comprising: determining parameters related to loading and unloading of the baggage based on attributes of a user who uses the service; transmitting a command including the parameters to the vehicle; and having a control unit that executes the above; wherein the parameters include data for identifying the position of the compartment assigned to the user. Information processing apparatus.

2. The control unit determines the height of the compartment assigned to the user from the floor surface based on whether or not the user has a walking disability. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The control unit determines the height of the compartment assigned to the user from the floor surface based on the height or age of the user. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. An information processing apparatus for controlling a vehicle that provides a baggage storage service, comprising: determining parameters related to loading and unloading of the baggage based on attributes of a user who uses the service; transmitting a command including the parameters to the vehicle; and having a control unit that executes the above; wherein the parameters include data for identifying a location where the baggage is to be loaded and unloaded. Information processing apparatus.

5. The control unit further acquires map data associated with the convenience when the user accesses the vehicle. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The control unit determines to load and unload the luggage at a location where the convenience of the user's access to the vehicle is higher when the user's motor ability is lower. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The control unit determines to load and unload the luggage at a location where the convenience of the user's access to the vehicle is higher when the degree of disability of the user is greater. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5.

8. The control unit acquires information regarding an area where the user desires to load and unload the luggage, and determines a location within the area for loading and unloading the luggage. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 7.

9. The command is a command to direct the vehicle to the determined location. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 8.

10. The control unit acquires data including information regarding the attributes of the user who uses the service. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. An information processing method executed by an information processing apparatus that controls a vehicle that provides a luggage storage service by a storage device having a plurality of compartments, a step of determining parameters related to the loading and unloading of the luggage based on the attributes of the user who uses the service; a step of transmitting a command including the parameters to the vehicle; including, the parameters include data for identifying the position of the compartment assigned to the user. Information processing method.

12. Further including the step of determining the height from the floor surface of the section assigned to the user based on at least any one of the presence or absence of the user's walking disability, height, and age The information processing method according to claim 11.

13. An information processing method executed by an information processing device that controls a vehicle providing a luggage storage service, Determining a parameter related to the loading and unloading of the luggage based on the attributes of the user using the service; Sending a command including the parameter to the vehicle; including The parameter includes data for identifying a location where the luggage is to be loaded and unloaded. Information processing method.

14. Further including the step of obtaining map data associated with the convenience when the user accesses the vehicle. The information processing method according to claim 13.

15. When the user has lower motor ability or a greater degree of disability, the access to the vehicle by the user is more convenient Determining to perform the loading and unloading of the luggage at a location where The information processing method according to claim 14.

16. Obtaining information about an area where the user desires to load and unload the luggage, and determining a location within the area for loading and unloading the luggage. The information processing method according to any one of claims 13 to 15.

17. The command is a command to direct the vehicle to the determined location. The information processing method according to claim 16.

18. Further including the step of obtaining data including information about the attributes of the user using the service. The information processing method according to any one of claims 11 to 17.

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