Information processing device and information processing method

Abstract

To improve convenience of an article storage service using a vehicle.SOLUTION: Upon receipt of a first request from a first user, an information processing device controlling a vehicle providing a package storage service determines a first spot for the first user to unload a package from the vehicle. The first spot is selected from among a plurality of parking areas including a parking area offered by a second user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle-based luggage storage service. [Background technology]

[0002] Attempts are being made to provide services by dispatching self-driving cars designed for various purposes. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an invention relating to a system that enables the deposit and retrieval of luggage at various locations by operating self-driving cars equipped with coin lockers. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-096201 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure aims to improve the convenience of vehicle-based item storage services. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A first aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device that controls a vehicle that provides a luggage storage service, and has a control unit that, when a first request is received from a first user, determines a first location where the first user will load and unload the luggage from the vehicle, and the control unit selects the first location from a plurality of parking areas including a parking area offered to be provided by a second user.

[0006] In addition, a second aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing method executed by an information processing device that controls a vehicle that provides a luggage storage service, and includes a step of determining, when a first request is received from a first user, a first location where the first user will load and unload the luggage from the vehicle, and the first location is selected from a plurality of parking areas including a parking area offered to be provided by a second user.

[0007] Another aspect is a program for causing a computer to execute the above-described information processing method, or a computer-readable storage medium that non-temporarily stores the program. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the convenience of vehicle-based item storage services can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a movable locker system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a storage device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a server device. [Figure 4A] 10 shows an example of vehicle data stored in a storage unit. [Figure 4B] 10 shows an example of operation plan data stored in a storage unit. [Figure 4C] 10 shows an example of storage device data stored in a storage unit. [Figure 4D] 10 shows an example of road data stored in a storage unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of a user terminal. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a vehicle and a storage device. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram of processing corresponding to the first phase. [Figure 8]FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of the process corresponding to the second phase. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating generation of application data. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of the process corresponding to the third phase. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating generation of a vehicle dispatch request. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart of the process performed in step S23. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart of a process performed by a vehicle that receives an operation plan. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of processing corresponding to step S34. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The information processing device according to the embodiment is a device that manages a traveling vehicle equipped with a storage device for storing items. The storage device is a locker-type device that has multiple compartments and can store items in each compartment. Each of the multiple compartments may be capable of being locked independently. The storage device installed in the vehicle is also called a mobile locker. By operating a vehicle equipped with the storage device, the locker can be moved to a location desired by the user, allowing the user to load and unload items.

[0011] The vehicle according to the embodiment is, for example, a moving body having a plurality of wheels and a power source, and is configured with a storage device mounted in a vehicle cabin.

[0012] In a system where vehicles are parked on the roadside and used to store items, securing parking spaces becomes an issue. While it is possible to stop or park on the road to load or unload luggage, there are not many such places, especially in urban areas. However, it is not realistic for service providers to secure land from a cost perspective. To solve this problem, the information processing device according to the present disclosure allows the first user to load and unload luggage using land licensed by the second user.

[0013] An information processing device in one embodiment is an information processing device that controls a vehicle that provides a luggage storage service, and has a control unit that, when a first request is received from a first user, determines a first location where the first user will load and unload the luggage from the vehicle, and the control unit selects the first location from a plurality of parking areas including a parking area offered to be provided by a second user.

[0014] The multiple parking areas may be areas set on public roads, or may include private land provided by the second user. The control unit may also receive an offer from the second user to provide a parking area. In this case, an incentive may be provided to the second user in response to the offer. For example, the incentive may be a discount on a luggage storage service, which can encourage the second user to use the service.

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The configurations of the following embodiments are examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to the configurations of the embodiments.

[0016] (First embodiment) An overview of a mobile locker system according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1. The mobile locker system according to this embodiment includes one or more autonomously traveling vehicles 300, a server device 100 that controls the vehicles 300, and one or more user terminals 200.

[0017] The vehicle 300 is an autonomous vehicle equipped with a storage device 400 . The storage device 400 is a locker-type device having multiple compartments, each capable of storing luggage. FIG. 2 shows the exterior of the storage device 400. As shown in the figure, the storage device 400 is configured so that each compartment can be accessed by multiple doors. A system user can unlock a specified compartment via an interface provided on the storage device 400. The storage device 400 is mounted inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle 300.

[0018] Vehicle 300 provides a baggage storage service (hereinafter referred to as a baggage storage service) to a predetermined user using the storage device 400 installed in vehicle 300. By calling vehicle 300 via server device 100, the user can deposit and retrieve baggage at any location. It should be noted that the vehicle 300 does not necessarily have to be an unmanned vehicle. For example, a security officer or the like may be on board. Furthermore, the vehicle 300 does not necessarily have to be a vehicle capable of completely autonomous driving. For example, the vehicle 300 may be a vehicle in which a person drives or assists in driving depending on the situation.

[0019] The server device 100 is a device that manages the operation of the vehicle 300 . As described above, the vehicle 300 can move autonomously by mounting the storage device 400. When the server device 100 receives a request for dispatching a vehicle from the user terminal 200 carried by a user who is depositing luggage, the server device 100 determines the vehicle 300 to be dispatched to the user and instructs the vehicle to operate.

[0020] The server device 100, the user terminal 200, and the vehicle 300 are connected to each other via a network. The network may be, for example, a wide area network (WAN), which is a global public communication network such as the Internet, or another communication network. The network may also include a telephone communication network such as a mobile phone network, or a wireless communication network such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0021] Next, the server device 100 will be described in detail. 3 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the server device 100. The server device 100 includes a control unit 101, a storage unit 102, and a communication unit 103.

[0022] The server device 100 is configured as a general-purpose computer. That is, the server device 100 is a computer having a processor such as a CPU or GPU, a main memory such as a RAM or ROM, and an auxiliary memory such as an EPROM, a hard disk drive, or removable media. The auxiliary memory stores an operating system (OS), various programs, various tables, etc., and the programs stored therein are loaded into a working area of the main memory and executed. The execution of the programs controls each component, etc., thereby realizing various functions that meet a predetermined purpose, as described below. However, some or all of the functions may be realized by hardware circuits such as ASICs or FPGAs. The server device 100 may be configured as a single computer or as multiple computers that cooperate with each other.

[0023] The control unit 101 is an arithmetic unit that controls the server device 100. The control unit 101 can be realized by an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU. The control unit 101 is configured to have four functional modules: a vehicle management unit 1011, a vehicle dispatch management unit 1012, a command unit 1013, and an area management unit 1014. Each functional module may be realized by a CPU executing a program stored in an auxiliary storage means.

[0024] The vehicle management unit 1011 collects information about the vehicle 300 and stores the information in the storage unit 102. The database is updated. Specifically, the vehicle management unit 1011 periodically communicates with a plurality of vehicles 300 to collect information about the vehicles 300 and information about the storage devices 400 installed in the vehicles 300. The collected information is reflected in the database, which will be described later.

[0025] The vehicle dispatch management unit 1012 receives a request for depositing and retrieving luggage (i.e., a request for dispatching a vehicle; hereinafter, referred to as a vehicle dispatch request) from the user terminal 200. Furthermore, when the vehicle dispatch management unit 1012 receives a vehicle dispatch request, it determines the location where the luggage will be deposited and retrieved (i.e., the location where the vehicle 300 will be dispatched; hereinafter, referred to as a dispatch location) and the date and time (hereinafter, referred to as a dispatch date and time), and generates an operation plan for the vehicle 300.

[0026] An operation plan is data that instructs the vehicle 300 on the tasks to be performed. Examples of tasks include a task of receiving luggage from a user and a task of handing over luggage to a user. Each task is associated with a dispatch location and a dispatch date and time. The vehicle dispatch management unit 1012 generates an operation plan that combines multiple tasks, and the vehicle 300 completes the tasks in order according to the operation plan, thereby providing a mobile locker service. The vehicle allocation management unit 1012 generates an operation plan for the vehicle 300 corresponding to either an operation for receiving luggage from a user or an operation for delivering luggage to a user. The dispatch point of the vehicle 300 is selected from among a plurality of parking areas managed by an area management unit 1014, which will be described later.

[0027] The command unit 1013 transmits the generated operation plan to the target vehicle 300, thereby commanding the vehicle 300 to operate. The vehicle 300 performs autonomous driving in accordance with the operation plan transmitted from the server device 100, and provides services to the user.

[0028] The area management unit 1014 manages areas where the vehicle 300 can park when depositing and retrieving luggage. Hereinafter, an area where the vehicle can park is referred to as a parking area. The area management unit 1014 manages two types of parking areas: a first parking area and a second parking area. The first parking area is an area on a public road where parking is legally permitted. The second parking area is an area on private land that has been provided (licensed) by the user as a parking area.

[0029] The parking area can be set to any size. For example, if a private parking lot is provided as an area where vehicle 300 can be parked, the entire parking lot may be set as a parking area, or each of the multiple sections in the parking lot may be set as a parking area. Furthermore, if a parking area is set on a road, each of the multiple parking sections set in advance on the road may be set as a parking area, or the entire road segment may be set as a parking area.

[0030] Hereinafter, a user who uses the luggage storage service will be referred to as a "first user," and a user who provides a parking area will be referred to as a "second user." The first user and the second user may be the same. For example, a user who has registered for the luggage storage service may provide his / her own land as a parking area for the convenience of other users. When a second user offers to provide a parking area, the parking area is managed by the area management unit 1014.

[0031] The storage unit 102 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The main storage device is a memory in which the programs executed by the control unit 101 and data used by the control programs are expanded. The auxiliary storage device is a memory in which the programs executed by the control unit 101 and data used by the control programs are expanded. This is a device that stores data used by the control program.

[0032] Furthermore, the storage unit 102 stores vehicle data 102A, operation plan data 102B, storage device data 102C, and map data 102D.

[0033] The vehicle data 102A is data that records the status of the vehicle 300 under the control of the server device 100. 4A is an example of vehicle data 102A. Vehicle data 102A includes a vehicle identifier, an update date and time, and status information. The status information is a field in which data indicating the current state of vehicle 300 is stored. Specifically, the status information stores information such as the current location of vehicle 300, information about tasks that vehicle 300 has completed so far, information about tasks that vehicle 300 will perform in the future, the remaining battery charge and driving distance of vehicle 300, and information about the planned route of vehicle 300. The vehicle data 102A is periodically updated by data transmitted from the vehicle 300 (hereinafter, status data).

[0034] The operation plan data 102B is data that records the operation plan generated by the vehicle allocation management unit 1012. 4B is an example of operation plan data 102B. The operation plan data 102B is defined for each vehicle 300, and records the type of task ("deposit" or "retrieval"), dispatch location, dispatch date and time, and the identifier of the user who will be loading and unloading the luggage. The vehicle 300 provides services to the user by sequentially executing the tasks included in the operation plan transmitted from the server device 100.

[0035] In the illustrated example, a vehicle with an identifier V001 is (1) At 12 o'clock, we receive luggage from user "U001" at point A. (2) At 13:00, the luggage is received from user "U002" at point B. (3) At 3:00 PM, the package is handed over to user "U001" at point C. (4) It indicates that the package will be handed over to user "U002" at point D at 6 p.m.

[0036] The storage device data 102C is data in which the state of the storage device 400 mounted on the target vehicle 300 is recorded. 4C is an example of storage device data 102C. The storage device data 102C is defined for each vehicle 300, and records information about multiple compartments in the storage device 400 (such as the size of the compartment, its occupancy status (whether it is in use or not), and the user's identifier). The storage device data 102C is updated based on the status data transmitted from the vehicle 300.

[0037] The map data 102D is a database that stores data related to the road network on which the vehicle 300 travels. The map data 102D stores definitions of multiple road segments, as well as the location information and connection relationships of each road segment. A road segment is a road on which the vehicle 300 can travel, divided into predetermined unit sections. Furthermore, the map data 102D includes information about areas where the vehicle 300 can be parked. Fig. 4D shows an example of this information. As shown, the map data 102D includes a first area map and a second area map.

[0038] The first area map is a map showing areas where stopping or parking for loading or unloading luggage is legally permitted. Hatched areas in the figure indicate areas where stopping or parking for loading or unloading luggage is not permitted. Examples of such areas include no-stopping areas and no-parking areas designated by road regulations. Whether a vehicle remaining at a certain location to load or unload cargo is classified as "stopping" or "parking" depends on the traffic laws of the country in question.

[0039] The first area map may be a map showing areas on public roads where stopping or parking for loading and unloading luggage is not permitted, or may be a map showing areas on public roads where stopping or parking for loading and unloading luggage is permitted.

[0040] The second area map is a map showing areas within private land that are registered in the system as areas where vehicle 300 can be parked. The hatched areas in the figure represent parking areas that have been offered for use by the second user. Each parking area may be associated with usage conditions. Examples of usage conditions include the dates and times when the parking area can be used (e.g., "every day from 12:00 to 16:00" or "all day except Saturdays and Sundays"). The first area map is generated in advance based on traffic laws and regulations, etc. The second area map is updated as needed based on data acquired from the second user (for example, data for requesting the provision of a parking area).

[0041] These data are used when determining a dispatch point for the vehicle 300. A location that is appropriate as a dispatch point can be determined based on the first area map and the second area map.

[0042] The database that stores these data is constructed by a database management system (DBMS) program executed by a processor that manages the data stored in a storage device. The database used in this embodiment is, for example, a relational database.

[0043] The communication unit 103 is a communication interface for connecting the server device 100 to a network. The communication unit 103 includes, for example, a network interface board and a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication.

[0044] Next, the user terminal 200 will be described. The user terminal 200 is a computer owned by a user who uses the luggage storage service. The user can access the server device 100 via the user terminal 200 and request the dispatch of a vehicle 300 to deposit and retrieve 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.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the user terminal 200. As shown in FIG. The user terminal 200 includes a control unit 201 , a storage unit 202 , a communication unit 203 , and an input / output unit 204 .

[0046] The control unit 201 is a calculation device that controls the user terminal 200. The control unit 201 can be realized by a calculation processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). do. The control unit 201 executes a function of accessing and interacting with the server device 100. This function may be realized by a web browser running on the user terminal 200 or dedicated application software.

[0047] The storage unit 202 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The main storage device stores programs executed by the control unit 201 and data used by the control programs. The auxiliary storage device is a memory that is used to store programs executed by the control unit 201 and data used by the control programs. The auxiliary storage device may store the programs executed by the control unit 201 packaged as applications. It may also store an operating system for executing these applications. The programs stored in the auxiliary storage device are loaded into the main storage device and executed by the control unit 201, thereby performing the processing described below.

[0048] The main memory may include RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). The auxiliary memory may include EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM) and hard disk. It may also include a disk drive (HDD, Hard Disk Drive). may include removable media, i.e., portable recording media. The storage unit 202 stores authentication information for authenticating a user when depositing / retrieving luggage.

[0049] 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 a mobile communication service such as 3G, LTE, or 5G.

[0050] The input / output unit 204 is a unit that accepts input operations performed by the user and presents information to the user. In this embodiment, it is made up of a single touch panel display. That is, it is made up of a liquid crystal display and its control means, and a touch panel and its control means. The input / output unit 204 may also have additional means for exchanging authentication information with the storage device 400. For example, the input / output unit 204 may have a camera for reading two-dimensional barcodes, a short-range communication means for wireless transmission, or the like.

[0051] Next, the vehicle 300 and the storage device 400 mounted on the vehicle 300 will be described. Vehicle 300 is a vehicle platform that travels autonomously under the control of server device 100. Specifically, it determines a travel route based on an operation plan transmitted from server device 100, and travels on roads in an appropriate manner while sensing the surroundings of the vehicle. Furthermore, at the destination, it performs predetermined tasks related to the luggage storage service (storing and handing over luggage).

[0052] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a 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 on power supplied from a battery.

[0053] The control device 301 is a computer that controls the vehicle 300 based on information acquired from a sensor 302, which will be described later. The control device 301 is configured by, for example, a computer having a CPU and a storage device.

[0054] 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 executes a program stored in a storage unit such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) by a CPU (Central Processing Unit). This may be achieved by executing the

[0055] The route generation unit 3011 generates a travel route for the vehicle based on the operation plan transmitted from the server device 100. The route generation unit 3011 generates a travel route so that the vehicle can travel to the dispatch points specified in the operation plan according to a specified schedule. The route generation is performed based on the pre-stored information. This may be done by referring to the map data stored in the map server, or by using an external service.

[0056] The driving control unit 3012 senses the surroundings of the vehicle and controls the driving of the vehicle based on the obtained data. The driving control unit 3012 detects the environment around the vehicle and generates environmental data based on the data acquired by the sensor 302. The detection targets include, for example, the number and positions of lanes, the number and positions of vehicles around the vehicle, the number and positions of obstacles around the vehicle (e.g., pedestrians, bicycles, structures, buildings, etc.), road structure, road signs, etc., but are not limited to these. Any detection target may be detected as long as it is necessary for autonomous driving. The driving control unit controls the autonomous driving of the vehicle using the generated environmental data and the position information of the host vehicle acquired by the position information acquisition unit 305, which will be described later. For example, the driving control unit controls the host vehicle to travel along a predetermined route and to travel so that no obstacles enter a predetermined safety area centered on the host vehicle. A known method can be used to autonomously drive the vehicle.

[0057] The task control unit 3013 controls tasks executed by the vehicle 300. The tasks are tasks for providing a storage service to a user using the storage device 400, and are typically a "task of receiving luggage from a user" and a "task of handing over luggage to a user." The task control unit 3013 may also execute tasks associated with these. For example, the task control unit 3013 may execute a task of calling a user, a task of authenticating a user, etc.

[0058] Furthermore, the task control unit 3013 periodically transmits data indicating its own status (hereinafter, status data) to the server device 100. The status data includes, for example, the following information: Identifier of the vehicle 300 Current location of vehicle 300 Information about tasks completed to date Information about remaining tasks Current battery state of charge (SOC) or driving range Route information (if in operation) Information about the packages stored in the storage device 400 The server device 100 (vehicle management unit 1011) updates the vehicle data 102A and the storage device data 102C based on the received status data.

[0059] The sensor 302 is a means for sensing the surroundings of the vehicle, and typically includes a camera, a laser scanner, LIDAR, radar, etc. Information acquired by the sensor 302 is transmitted to the control device 301. The sensor 302 includes a sensor for autonomous driving. The sensor 302 may include a camera provided on the vehicle 300. For example, the sensor 302 may capture images using an image sensor such as a Charged-Coupled Device (CCD), a Metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS), or a Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS). The device may include:

[0060] The communication unit 303 is a communication means for connecting the vehicle 300 to a network. In this embodiment, the vehicle 300 can communicate with other devices (for example, the server device 100) via the network using a mobile communication service such as 3G, LTE, or 5G. The communication unit 303 may further include a communication means for performing inter-vehicle communication with other vehicles.

[0061] The driving unit 304 drives the vehicle 300 based on the command generated by the driving control unit 3012. The driving unit 304 includes, for example, a motor and inverter for driving the wheels, a brake, a steering mechanism, a secondary battery, and the like.

[0062] The position information acquisition unit 305 is a means for acquiring the current position 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.

[0063] The storage device 400 is a locker-type device that has multiple compartments and can store luggage in each compartment. As described with reference to Fig. 2, the storage device 400 is configured so that each independent compartment can be accessed by multiple doors. The storage device 400 is connected to the control device 301, and its operations (such as user authentication and locking / unlocking) are controlled by the control device 301 (task control unit 3013). The storage device 400 has an input / output unit, and can interact with a user using the input / output unit. The input / output unit typically includes a touch panel, a liquid crystal display, a keyboard, and the like.

[0064] Next, a method for providing a storage service by the mobile locker system according to this embodiment will be described. Here, we will explain the following three phases, referring to the processes performed by each component in the system and sequence diagrams of the data exchanged. (First Phase) A phase in which the server device 100 updates the vehicle data and storage device data based on the status data transmitted by the vehicle 300. (Second Phase) A phase in which the server device 100 updates the map data (second area map) based on a request for a parking area from the second user. (Third Phase) A phase in which the server device 100 instructs the vehicle 300 to operate based on a vehicle dispatch request from the first user.

[0065] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram corresponding to the first phase. While in operation, the vehicle 300 periodically generates status data (step S11A) and transmits it to the server device 100. The status data includes information about the state of the vehicle 300, information about tasks that have been completed up to now, information about packages stored in the storage device 400, and the like. Upon receiving the status data, the server device 100 (vehicle management unit 1011) updates the vehicle data 102A and the storage device data 102C based on the received status data (step S11B).

[0066] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram corresponding to the second phase. First, in step S12A, a second user generates data (hereinafter, "application data") offering to provide a parking area via user terminal 200. FIG. 9(A) is an example of a user interface screen for generating the application data. FIG. 9(B) is an example of the application data. As shown, the application data includes data related to a user identifier, location information of the parking area, conditions for providing the parking area, etc. Upon receiving the application data, the server device 100 (area management unit 1014) updates the second area map included in the map data 102D based on the received application data (step S12B).

[0067] Next, the area management unit 1014 issues an electronic coupon that can be used in the parking service to the second user who sent the application data (step S12C). The electronic coupon may be for a discount on the usage fee, or may be for an exemption from the usage fee. The discount amount may be determined, for example, depending on the period and area of the parking area provided. The electronic coupon may be transmitted to the user terminal 200, or may be stored in the storage unit 102 in association with the user's identifier.

[0068] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram corresponding to the third phase. When a user who wishes to deposit / pick up luggage generates a vehicle dispatch request via the user terminal 200 (step S21), the vehicle dispatch request is transmitted to the server device 100. The vehicle dispatch request includes information such as the type of request ("deposit" or "pick up"), the area to which the vehicle 300 is desired to be dispatched, the time period to which the vehicle 300 is desired to be dispatched, and the size of the luggage. FIG. 11(A) is an example of a screen presented by the user terminal 200 when the vehicle dispatch request is generated, and FIG. 11(B) is an example of a generated vehicle dispatch request. The area to which the vehicle is desired to be dispatched can be specified, for example, by drawing a circle centered on a predetermined point.

[0069] In step S22, the vehicle dispatch management unit 1012 determines the vehicle 300 to be dispatched to the user based on the dispatch request. If the request type is "pickup," the vehicle 300 that is holding the user's luggage is determined as the vehicle to be dispatched. In other cases, the vehicle 300 to be dispatched to the user is determined by referring to the content of the dispatch request, the vehicle data 102A, and the storage device data 102C. Specifically, the vehicle 300 to be dispatched is determined to be the vehicle that can be dispatched to the specified area during the specified time period and that is equipped with a storage device 400 that can store luggage of the specified size.

[0070] In step S23, the vehicle dispatch management unit 1012 determines the dispatch point and dispatch time of the vehicle 300. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing in detail the process executed by the vehicle allocation management unit 1012 in step S23.

[0071] First, in step S231, the first area map is referenced to extract parking areas on roads where parking is legally permitted within an area designated by the user. Next, in step S232, the second area map is referenced to extract parking areas provided by the second user within the area specified by the user.

[0072] In step S233, parking areas that do not satisfy the conditions are excluded from the parking areas extracted in both steps S231 and S232. For example, if there is a parking area provided by the second user that does not satisfy the provision conditions for the desired time period specified in the vehicle dispatch request, the parking area is excluded. Also, if a parking area set on a road is prohibited from parking during certain time periods, it may be excluded by this step.

[0073] In step S234, it is determined whether or not there are any available parking areas remaining. If the determination in this step is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S235. If the determination is negative, the process ends. In step S235, a dispatch point is determined from the extracted one or more parking areas. In this step, an evaluation value may be assigned to one or more parking areas, and a dispatch point may be determined based on the evaluation value. The evaluation value may be determined based on, for example, the amount of traffic, the amount of pedestrian flow, the size of the parking area, etc. In other words, the easier and safer a parking area is to access the vehicle, the higher the evaluation value may be assigned.

[0074] In step S236, the dispatch time is determined. The dispatch time can be selected from a time slot designated by the user, for example.

[0075] Returning to FIG. 10, the explanation will continue. The determined dispatch location and dispatch time are notified to and presented to the user by the user terminal 200. If the dispatch location and dispatch time do not satisfy the user's wishes, the server device 100 and the user terminal 200 may interact with each other to modify at least one of the dispatch location and dispatch time.

[0076] Next, in step S24, the vehicle allocation management unit 1012 generates or updates an operation plan corresponding to the vehicle 300. Here, if the target vehicle 300 is not in operation (is waiting), the vehicle allocation management unit 1012 generates a new operation plan corresponding to the vehicle 300. If the target vehicle 300 is in operation, that is, if an operation plan for the vehicle 300 has already been generated, the new task determined in step S13 is added to the operation plan. The operation plan corresponding to the vehicle 300 is transmitted to the vehicle 300.

[0077] In step S25, the vehicle 300 (control device 301) receives the operation plan. The control device 301 performs traveling and tasks in accordance with the received operation plan.

[0078] 13 is a flowchart of a process performed by the vehicle 300 that has received an operation plan. This process is started when the vehicle 300 receives the operation plan from the server device 100. First, in step S31, the vehicle 300 (route generation unit 3011) generates a travel route for executing the unprocessed task based on the received operation plan.

[0079] In step S32, the traveling control unit 3012 starts traveling to the destination point (that is, the dispatch point specified by the server device 100) according to the generated route.

[0080] When the vehicle 300 approaches the destination point (step S33), the driving control unit 3012 searches for a nearby place where the vehicle can stop, stops the vehicle, and executes a task (step S34). The task is either a task of receiving luggage from the user or a task of handing over luggage to the user.

[0081] When the task is completed, the driving control unit 3012 determines whether there is a next destination point according to the operation plan (step S35), and if there is a next destination point, the vehicle continues operation. If there is no next destination point (if all tasks included in the operation plan have been completed), the vehicle returns to the base. Note that if there is a slack time between tasks, the vehicle 300 may be temporarily returned to the base.

[0082] Next, the process executed by vehicle 300 in step S34 will be described in detail. 14 is a sequence diagram of a process executed when a user deposits or retrieves luggage. The process shown in the figure is started by the task control unit 3013 when the vehicle 300 is parked to accommodate a user who will deposit or retrieve luggage.

[0083] First, in step S41, user authentication is performed. When the user arrives at the vehicle 300 parked at a predetermined location, the storage device 400 acquires the first authentication information via the input / output unit and compares it with pre-stored second authentication information. Each piece of authentication information may be pre-stored in the user terminal 200 and the storage device 400, or may be generated by the server device 100 at the time of making a vehicle dispatch request and distributed to the user terminal 200 and the storage device 400. The first authentication information may be acquired as character data via a keyboard or touch panel, or as image data via a camera or scanner. It may also be acquired from the user terminal 200 via wireless communication. If the matching is successful, the process proceeds to step S42. If the matching is unsuccessful, the process ends. Here, we have confirmed that the user boarding vehicle 300 is a pre-registered user, but in systems where user registration is not required, such as when the usage fee can be paid on the spot using electronic money, user authentication is not required.

[0084] Once the user authentication is complete, the storage or retrieval of the luggage is carried out in step S42. When storing a new package, the section in which to store the package may be determined in this step. The section in which to store the package may be determined based on the size of the package. For example, if the size of the package is known in advance, a section of an appropriate size may be assigned. The section in which to store the package may also be specified by the user. Note that if the server device 100 has determined in advance the section in which to store the package, the process of determining the section may be omitted. Once the luggage has been stored, the compartment where the luggage has been deposited will be locked.

[0085] Furthermore, when the luggage is to be removed, in this step the compartment in which the luggage has been deposited is unlocked based on the authentication result, and the luggage can be removed.

[0086] In step S43, status data is generated and transmitted to the server device 100. The status data includes information about the package stored in the storage device 400, such as the occupancy status of multiple compartments, the weight of the package, and the identifier of the user currently using the package. Upon receiving the status data, the server device 100 updates the storage device data 102C with the data (step S44).

[0087] If the package is picked up in step S43, the server device 100 settles the usage fee in step S45. The usage fee can be determined based on the size of the package, the period of deposit, etc. The fee will be billed to the user authenticated in step S41. In this step, the usage fee may be billed by communicating with an external device that settles the fee. If an electronic coupon has been issued to the user who used the service (see step S12C), the usage fee may be discounted or waived in this step. The electronic coupon may be obtained from the user terminal 200 or from the storage unit 102. When the payment of the usage fee is completed, a usage completion notice is sent to the user terminal 200.

[0088] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the server device 100 manages information on parking areas provided by second users as well as parking areas set on roads, and determines a dispatch point for the vehicle 300 from among these parking areas. This makes it possible to dispatch the vehicle 300 to a more suitable point for loading and unloading luggage. Furthermore, by providing an incentive, the second user can be motivated to provide a parking area.

[0089] (Modification of the first embodiment) In the first embodiment, the electronic coupon is issued when the second user offers to provide a parking area, but the server device 100 may issue the electronic coupon at a different time. For example, the server device 100 may issue an electronic coupon when a parking area provided by the second user is actually used. The server device 100 may issue an electronic coupon of a predetermined amount each time the parking area is used, or may issue electronic coupons of different amounts based on the total number of times the parking area is used in a predetermined period. For example, the more the provided parking area is used, the greater the amount of the incentive.

[0090] (Second embodiment) In the first embodiment, the second user specifies the conditions for providing the parking area in advance. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the server device 100 requests the second user for permission to use the parking area every time the server device 100 receives a vehicle dispatch request.

[0091] In the second embodiment, after extracting the parking area in step S232, the server device 100 transmits a message to the user terminal 200 associated with the second user who provided the parking area, requesting permission to use the parking area. The message may include the planned date and time of use of the parking area, the planned number of users, etc. When the second user responds to the message, the suitability of the conditions is determined in step S233 based on the response. That is, if the second user consents to use, the parking area is determined to meet the conditions. If the second user does not consent to use, the parking area is determined to not meet the conditions and is excluded from the candidates.

[0092] As a method for requesting permission from the second user, any of the following methods can be adopted. (1) When a request for a ride that meets the parking area provision conditions is received, permission is sought, and when a request that does not meet the provision conditions is received, it is automatically rejected. (2) If a request for a ride that meets the parking area provision conditions is received, it will be automatically accepted, and if a request that does not meet the provision conditions is received, approval will be required. (3) Do not set conditions for providing parking areas, and ask for permission each time. Furthermore, permission may be requested each time a vehicle dispatch request is received, or may be requested at a predetermined timing.

[0093] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the second user can be inquired in advance about the availability of the parking area, thereby improving usability for the second user. The electronic coupon may be provided on the condition that the second user has consented to use of the parking area. In this case, information about the electronic coupon that can be provided may be included in the message sent to the user terminal 200. For example, the message may include details (such as the amount and content) of the electronic coupon that will be provided when consent is given to use of the parking area. This makes it possible to prompt the second user to consent to use of the parking area.

[0094] (Variation) The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and the present disclosure can be modified and implemented as appropriate within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the disclosure. For example, the processes and means described in this disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

[0095] In addition, although the embodiment has been described with reference to an individual as the second user, the second user does not necessarily have to be an individual. For example, the second user may be an organization or a corporation. In this case, an individual belonging to the organization or corporation may receive the incentive.

[0096] Furthermore, a process described as being performed by one device may be shared and executed by multiple devices. Alternatively, a process described as being performed by different devices may be executed by a single device. In a computer system, the hardware configuration (server configuration) by which each function is realized can be flexibly changed.

[0097] The present disclosure can also be realized by providing a computer program implementing the functions described in the above embodiments to a computer, and having one or more processors in the computer read and execute the program. Such a computer program may be provided to the computer via a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium connectable to the computer's system bus or via a network. Non-transitory computer-readable storage media include, for example, any type of disk, such as a magnetic disk (e.g., a floppy disk, a hard disk drive (HDD), etc.), an optical disk (e.g., a CD-ROM, a DVD disk, a Blu-ray disk), a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), an EPROM, an EEPROM, a magnetic card, a flash memory, an optical card, or any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 100 Server device 101,201 Control unit 102,202...Storage section 103,203,303···Communications Department 104...Input / output section 200 User terminal 300...vehicles 301 Control device 302 Sensor 304 Drive unit 305...Location information acquisition unit 400... Storage device

Claims

1. An information processing device that controls a vehicle that provides a baggage storage service, a control unit that, when receiving a first request from a first user, determines a first point at which the first user loads and unloads the luggage from the vehicle; The control unit extracting parking areas offered by the second user; sending a notification to a terminal associated with the second user requesting permission to provide the parking area under the conditions included in the first request; selecting the first point from among the parking areas that have been offered for provision by the second user and that have been approved for provision by the second user, based on the amount of traffic in the parking area, the amount of pedestrian flow in the parking area, or the size of the parking area; determining a dispatch time that is a time to dispatch the vehicle to the first location; notifying the first user of the first location and the dispatch time; when a request for correction of at least one of the first location and the dispatch time is received from a terminal associated with the first user, updating at least one of the first location and the dispatch time based on the request; Information processing device.

2. the control unit receives a second request from the second user offering to provide the parking area; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. the second request includes information regarding the date and time when the parking area is permitted to be used; The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. The first request includes information regarding a desired date and time for unloading the luggage; the control unit selects the first location from among parking areas that are permitted to be used on the date and time specified by the first request. The information processing device according to claim 3 .

5. The first request includes information regarding a desired date and time for unloading the luggage; the control unit inquires of the second user who has offered to provide the parking area whether or not the second user will grant permission to use the parking area on the date and time specified by the first request; The information processing device according to claim 2 .

6. the control unit grants an incentive related to the service to the second user who has offered to provide the parking area; The information processing device according to claim 2 .

7. the control unit grants the second user an incentive related to the service when the first user uses the parking area offered by the second user; The information processing device according to claim 2 .

8. the incentive is a discount on the service fee, The control unit determines the discount amount as the incentive based on the period during which the parking area is offered or the area of the parking area offered.

8. The information processing device according to claim 6 or 7.

9. The method further includes a storage unit that stores first data describing a plurality of the parking areas. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

10. the control unit updates the first data based on the second request. The information processing device according to claim 9 .

11. the control unit generates a command to dispatch the vehicle to the first location. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

12. An information processing method executed by an information processing device that controls a vehicle that provides a baggage storage service, When a first request is received from a first user, determining a first location at which the first user will load and unload the luggage from the vehicle; extracting parking areas offered by the second user; sending a notification to a terminal associated with the second user requesting permission to provide the parking area under the conditions included in the first request; selecting the first point from among the parking areas that have been offered for provision by the second user and that have been approved for provision by the second user, based on the amount of traffic in the parking area, the amount of pedestrian flow in the parking area, or the size of the parking area; determining a dispatch time that is a time to dispatch the vehicle to the first location; notifying the first user of the first location and the dispatch time; when a request for correction of at least one of the first location and the dispatch time is received from a terminal associated with the first user, updating at least one of the first location and the dispatch time based on the request; Information processing methods.

13. and receiving a second request from the second user offering the parking area. The information processing method according to claim 12.

14. the second request includes information regarding the date and time when the parking area is permitted to be used; The information processing method according to claim 13.

15. The first request includes information regarding a desired date and time for unloading the luggage; selecting the first location from among parking areas permitted for use on the date and time specified in the first request; The information processing method according to claim 14.

16. The first request includes information regarding a desired date and time for unloading the luggage; The method further includes a step of inquiring of the second user who has offered to provide the parking area whether or not the second user is willing to use the parking area on the date and time specified by the first request. The information processing method according to claim 13.

17. and further comprising the step of providing an incentive related to the service to the second user who offers to provide the parking area.

17. The information processing method according to any one of claims 13 to 16.

18. and providing an incentive related to the service to the second user when the first user uses the parking area offered by the second user.

17. The information processing method according to any one of claims 13 to 16.

19. the incentive is a discount on the service fee, The method further includes a step of determining a discount amount as the incentive based on the period during which the parking area is available or the area of the parking area available.

19. The information processing method according to claim 17 or 18.

20. generating a command to dispatch the vehicle to the first location.

20. The information processing method according to any one of claims 12 to 19.

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