Information processing device and information processing method

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus and an information processing method for improving the convenience of a cargo storage service by a vehicle.SOLUTION: In a mobile locker system, a server device 100 for controlling a vehicle 300 providing a cargo storage service determines a first point at which a user using the service loads and unloads a cargo onto and from the vehicle based on road data which is information about a road on which the vehicle travels. The road data includes first road data describing areas where the vehicle can be stopped or parked for loading and unloading the cargo, and second road data describing the user's convenience in accessing the vehicle.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 determines a first point where a user using the service will load and unload luggage from the vehicle based on road data that is information about the roads on which the vehicle travels.

[0006] Furthermore, 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 determines a first location where a user using the service will load and unload luggage onto the vehicle based on road data that is information about the roads on which the vehicle travels.

[0007] Furthermore, a third 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 determines a first point at which a user using the service will load and unload the luggage from the vehicle based on attributes of the luggage that the user will deposit in the vehicle.

[0008] 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]

[0009] According to the present invention, the convenience of vehicle-based item storage services can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [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] A sequence diagram of the processes performed by the components included in the system. [Figure 8A] 10 is an example of a screen provided by a user terminal generating a ride request. [Figure 8B] An example of a ride request sent from a user device. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart of the process performed in step S13. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart of a process performed by a vehicle that receives an operation plan. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart of a process performed by a vehicle when loading and unloading luggage. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration in which luggage is loaded and unloaded from the side of the vehicle. [Figure 13] 10 is an example of a second area map in the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method for determining a threshold value according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] 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 put items in and take out items.

[0012] 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.

[0013] In a system where vehicles are parked on the roadside and used to store items, ensuring safety and convenience is an issue. For example, even if parking for loading and unloading luggage is legally permitted, if the sidewalk and roadway are separated, users may be unable to access their vehicles from the sidewalk. Also, there are locations with heavy traffic where it is not desirable for users to come out onto the roadway. To solve this problem, the information processing device according to the present disclosure determines an appropriate point for loading and unloading items into and from a vehicle.

[0014] 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 determines a first point where a user using the service will load and unload the luggage onto the vehicle based on road data, which is information about the roads on which the vehicle travels.

[0015] The road data may be, for example, a map showing locations where parking is legally permitted for loading and unloading luggage. The road data may also be a map related to safety and convenience when a user accesses a vehicle. The control unit can determine a location suitable for loading and unloading luggage by referring to this information. For example, the control unit can determine, as the first location, a location with less other traffic or a location with easier access to the vehicle (for example, a location without structures separating the sidewalk from the roadway).

[0016] 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.

[0017] (First embodiment) An overview of a mobile locker system according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The mobile locker system according to this embodiment includes one or more vehicles 300 that perform autonomous driving. The system includes a server device 100 that controls the vehicle 300, and one or more user terminals 200.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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).

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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 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 a CPU executing a program stored in an auxiliary storage means.

[0025] The vehicle management unit 1011 collects information about the vehicles 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 vehicles 300 and information about the storage devices 400 installed in the vehicles 300. The collected information is reflected in the database described below.

[0026] The reservation 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 reservation 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 the dispatch location) and the date and time (hereinafter, referred to as the dispatch date and time), and generates an operation plan for the vehicle 300.

[0027] 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 reservation 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 reservation 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] The storage unit 102 is configured to include 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 the data used by the control programs are expanded. The auxiliary storage device is a device in which the programs executed by the control unit 101 and the data used by the control programs are stored.

[0030] Furthermore, the storage unit 102 stores vehicle data 102A, operation plan data 102B, storage device data 102C, and road map data 102D.

[0031] 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).

[0032] The operation plan data 102B is data that records the operation plan generated by the reservation management unit 1012. 4B is an example of the operation plan data 102B. The operation plan data 102B is defined for each vehicle 300, and includes the type of task ("deposit" or "pickup"), dispatch point, dispatch The date and time, the identifier of the user who puts in or takes out luggage, etc. are recorded. The vehicle 300 provides services to the user by sequentially executing the tasks included in the operation plan transmitted from the server device 100.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] The road map data 102D is a database that stores data related to the road network on which the vehicle 300 travels. The road 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 road map data 102D includes information about areas where the vehicle 300 can be parked and information about the suitability of access to the vehicle 300. 4D is an example of road map data 102D. As shown in the figure, the road map data 102D includes a first area map and a second area map.

[0036] 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.

[0037] The first area map may represent areas on public roads where stopping or parking for loading or unloading luggage is not permitted, or may represent areas on public roads where stopping or parking for loading or unloading luggage is permitted, or may represent areas on private property where parking is permitted.

[0038] The second area map shows whether there are any structures separating the roadway from the sidewalk. The areas indicated by black lines in the figure indicate the presence of structures (e.g., guardrails) separating the roadway from the sidewalk. The presence of such structures means that it is difficult for vehicles parked on the roadway to access the sidewalk. The information held in the second area map may be information other than the presence or absence of structures, as long as it indicates whether pedestrians can access vehicles parked on the roadway. For example, the second area map may be a map showing locations where users cannot reach vehicles because the sidewalk and the roadway are physically separated, the roadway is a highway for automobiles only, etc.

[0039] These data are used to determine the dispatch point of the vehicle 300. Based on the first area map and the second area map, it is possible to determine whether a location is suitable as a dispatch location or not.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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 .

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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 programs executed by the control unit 201 and data used by the control programs are expanded. The auxiliary storage device is a device in which programs executed by the control unit 201 and data used by the control programs are stored. The auxiliary storage device may store 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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).

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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

[0053] The route generation unit 3011 generates a driving route for the vehicle based on the operation plan transmitted from the server device 100. The route generation unit 3011 generates a driving route so that the vehicle can travel to dispatch points specified in the operation plan according to a specified schedule. The route may be generated by referring to pre-stored map data or by using an external service.

[0054] 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.

[0055] The task control unit 3013 controls the tasks executed by the vehicle 300. The tasks are tasks for providing a storage service to a user using the storage device 400, and 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 incidental to these. For example, the task control unit 3013 may execute a task of calling a user, a task of authenticating a user, etc.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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:

[0058] 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.

[0059] The driving unit 304 is a means for driving the vehicle 300 based on commands generated by the driving control unit 3012. The driving unit 304 is configured to include, for example, a motor and inverter for driving the wheels, a brake, a steering mechanism, a secondary battery, and the like.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] Next, a method for providing a storage service by the mobile locker system according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram of the processes executed by the components included in the system.

[0063] While the vehicle 300 is in operation, the vehicle 300 periodically generates status data 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 luggage 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 S10).

[0064] When a user who wishes to deposit / pick up 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 information such as the type of request ("deposit" or "pick up"), the area in which the vehicle 300 is desired to be dispatched, the time period in which the vehicle 300 is desired to be dispatched, and the size of the luggage. FIG. 8A is an example of a screen presented by the user terminal 200 when the vehicle dispatch request is generated, and FIG. 8B is an example of the generated vehicle dispatch request. The area in which the vehicle is desired to be dispatched can be specified, for example, by drawing a circle centered on a predetermined point.

[0065] In step S12, the reservation 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.

[0066] In step S13, the reservation management unit 1012 refers to the operation plan data associated with the vehicle 300 determined in step S12, and determines the dispatch point and dispatch time of the vehicle 300. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing in detail the process executed by the reservation management unit 1012 in step S13.

[0067] First, in step S131, the first area map is referenced to extract road segments where legal parking is permitted within the area specified by the user. The road segments may be defined by dividing the road into unit sections. Next, in step S132, the second area map is referenced to extract a plurality of road segments that are accessible to the vehicle from the sidewalk within the area specified by the user. In this step, road segments that do not have structures separating the sidewalk from the vehicle are extracted.

[0068] In step S133, the road segments extracted in both steps S131 and S132 are identified, and points within the identified road segments are designated as candidate points. If one or more candidate points exist, the process proceeds to step S134. If no candidate points exist, the process ends. In step S134, a dispatch point is determined from one or more candidate points. In this step, an evaluation value may be assigned to one or more candidate points, 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, or the width of the road on the corresponding road segment. In other words, a point that is more accessible to a vehicle or a point that is safer to access a vehicle may be assigned a higher evaluation value.

[0069] In step S135, the dispatch time is determined. The dispatch time can be selected from a time slot designated by the user, for example.

[0070] Returning to FIG. 7, 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.

[0071] Next, in step S14, the reservation management unit 1012 generates or updates an 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 an operation plan for the vehicle 300 has already been generated, the reservation management unit 1012 adds the new task determined in step S13 to the operation plan. The operation plan corresponding to the vehicle 300 is transmitted to the vehicle 300.

[0072] In step S15, the vehicle 300 (control device 301) receives the operation plan. The control device 301 moves and executes tasks in accordance with the received operation plan.

[0073] 10 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 S21, the vehicle 300 (route generation unit 3011) generates a travel route for executing the unprocessed task based on the received operation plan.

[0074] In step S22, 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.

[0075] When the vehicle 300 approaches the destination point (step S23), the driving control unit 3012 searches for a nearby place where the vehicle can stop, 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 handing over luggage to the user.

[0076] When the task is completed, the driving control unit 3012 determines whether there is a next destination point according to the operation plan (step S25), 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.

[0077] Next, the process executed by the vehicle 300 in step S24 will be described in detail. 11 is a sequence diagram of a process executed by the vehicle 300 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.

[0078] 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 acquires the first authentication information via the input / output unit and compares it with the pre-stored second authentication information. 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 comparison is successful, the process proceeds to step S32. If the comparison is unsuccessful, the process ends. Here, it is confirmed that the user who got into the vehicle 300 is a pre-registered user. However, in systems that do not require user registration, such as when payment of usage fees can be made on the spot using electronic money, user authentication is not essential.

[0079] Once the user authentication is complete, the storage or retrieval of the package is carried out in step S32. 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] In step S33, 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 S34).

[0082] If the package is picked up in step S33, the server device 100 settles the usage fee in step S35. The usage fee can be determined based on the size of the package, the period of deposit, etc. The fee is billed to the user authenticated in step S31. In this step, the usage fee may be billed by communicating with an external device that settles the fee. When the payment of the usage fee is completed, a usage completion notification is sent to the user terminal 200.

[0083] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the server device 100 determines a preferred dispatch point for the vehicle 300 based on the first area map and the second area map. That is, the server device 100 determines a point for loading and unloading luggage based on both information about a location where parking for loading and unloading luggage is legally permitted and information about accessibility to the vehicle. This makes it possible to dispatch the vehicle 300 to a more preferred location for loading and unloading luggage.

[0084] (Modification of the first embodiment) In the first embodiment, the second area map uses information regarding the presence or absence of structures separating the sidewalk and the roadway, but the second area map may store other information as long as it is information regarding accessibility to vehicles. For example, the second area map may be a map related to the safety of the user when accessing the vehicle, such as the amount of traffic in the surrounding area. For example, the second area map may represent areas with traffic volume exceeding a predetermined value and other areas. The second area map may also be a map showing traffic volume for each road segment. In this case, the dispatch point may be determined from among areas (or road segments) where traffic volume is below a predetermined value. This ensures the safety of the user when loading and unloading luggage.

[0085] The second area map may also be a map related to the convenience of accessing the vehicle for the user. For example, the second area map may be a map that records barrier-free information, such as whether there is a step between the sidewalk and the roadway. This makes it possible to determine locations that should be avoided as dispatch points. The second area map may also be a map with a score indicating the convenience of accessing the vehicle for the user. For example, a higher score may be given to a point with a wider road or a point with fewer obstacles. In this case, in step S132, road segments whose scores satisfy a predetermined threshold may be extracted.

[0086] (Second embodiment) In the first embodiment, any point where there is a guardrail between the sidewalk and the roadway is treated as a point where loading and unloading of luggage is prohibited. However, depending on the size and weight of the luggage, there are cases where loading and unloading of luggage is possible even when there is a guardrail. For example, as shown in Figure 12, if the guardrail is waist-high, small luggage may be deposited from the side of the vehicle. On the other hand, in such a location, it is not advisable to deposit large or heavy luggage over the guardrail.

[0087] In the second embodiment, the vehicle dispatch point is determined based on the attributes of the package. In this embodiment, the second area map is further associated with attributes of luggage. Figure 13 is an example of the second area map in the second embodiment. The solid lines (reference numeral 1301) in the figure indicate sections where it is difficult to load or unload luggage, regardless of the attributes of the luggage. Furthermore, the dotted lines (reference numeral 1302) in the figure indicate sections where it is possible to load or unload small luggage. In this way, in the second area map in the second embodiment, the attributes of luggage that can be loaded or unloaded are associated with each road segment. In the example of FIG. 13, the size of the luggage is defined in two stages, but the size of the luggage may be defined in three or more stages.

[0088] In the second embodiment, in step S132, road segments that the user can access the vehicle from are extracted by referring to the attributes (e.g., size and weight) of the luggage included in the dispatch request. This makes it possible to determine an appropriate dispatch point for each luggage attribute, thereby improving user convenience.

[0089] (Modification of the second embodiment) In the second embodiment, the second area map indicates whether the user can access the vehicle, but the second area map may also be a score map indicating the ease of access to the vehicle (or the safety when the user accesses the vehicle). For example, if the checked baggage is small or light, some inconvenience in accessing the vehicle is acceptable, whereas if the checked baggage is large or heavy, it is preferable to give priority to selecting a location with fewer obstacles to accessing the vehicle (a location with more convenient access to the vehicle). Therefore, in step S132, road segments whose scores satisfy a predetermined threshold may be extracted, and the threshold may be dynamically set based on the attributes of the luggage, as shown in FIG.

[0090] (Third embodiment) In the second embodiment, the dispatch point is determined based on the attributes of the baggage to be deposited. In contrast, in the third embodiment, the dispatch point is determined based on the attributes of the user who deposits the baggage (hereinafter, referred to as user attributes).

[0091] For example, a user with a walking disability may have difficulty taking the posture shown in Fig. 12, and depending on the user attributes, the user may not be able to take in and out luggage in the same way as other people. Therefore, in the third embodiment, information about the user attributes is further added to the dispatch request. The server device 100 determines a vehicle dispatch point based on the user attributes. The information about the user attributes may be, for example, the user's age, sex, height, and whether or not the user has a disability (for example, a walking disability).

[0092] The second area map in the third embodiment is a map that shows suitable dispatch points for users with a predetermined attribute, such as a map that shows locations where users with walking disabilities can drop off their luggage. The second area map in the third embodiment may include multiple maps that correspond to multiple user attributes. In the third embodiment, in steps S132 to S134, a second area map that matches the user attributes is selected, and then a dispatch point is determined using the selected second area map. This makes it possible to determine a dispatch point that matches the user attributes.

[0093] In this example, one map corresponds to one user attribute, but the second area map may also be a single score map representing the ease of access to the vehicle (or the safety when the user accesses the vehicle). For example, if the user is in a weak position, such as being disabled or elderly, a location with fewer obstacles to accessing the vehicle (a location with greater accessibility to the vehicle) may be selected with priority.

[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] 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.

[0096] 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]

[0097] 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 determines a first point at which a user using the service loads and unloads the luggage onto and from the vehicle, based on road data that is information about roads on which the vehicle travels; the road data includes first road data describing areas where the vehicle can stop or park for loading and unloading the luggage, and second road data that is data related to the convenience for the user when accessing the vehicle; the second road data includes the presence or absence of a guardrail, which is a structure separating a sidewalk from a roadway; The control unit further acquires the size or weight of the baggage as information regarding the attributes of the baggage to be checked in by the user, If the size or weight of the luggage is equal to or less than a predetermined value, a point where the structure exists between the sidewalk and the roadway is determined as the first point. Information processing device.

2. The control unit determines, when the size or weight of the luggage is greater than the predetermined value, a point where the structure does not exist between the sidewalk and the roadway as the first point. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The second road data further includes data for identifying a first area having a traffic volume equal to or greater than a predetermined value and a second area other than that.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1.

4. The control unit selects a point within the second area as the first point. The information processing device according to claim 3 .

5. The control unit further acquires information regarding attributes of the user, determining a location that matches the attributes of the user as the first location; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

6. The control unit acquires information about an area where the user wishes to load and unload the luggage, and determines the first point within the area. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

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

8. An information processing method executed by an information processing device that controls a vehicle that provides a baggage storage service, determining a first point where a user of the service will load and unload the luggage onto and from the vehicle based on road data that is information about roads on which the vehicle travels; Including, the road data includes first road data describing areas where the vehicle can stop or park for loading and unloading the luggage, and second road data that is data related to the convenience for the user when accessing the vehicle; the second road data includes the presence or absence of a guardrail, which is a structure separating a sidewalk from a roadway; Further acquiring the size or weight of the baggage as information regarding the attributes of the baggage to be checked in by the user; If the size or weight of the luggage is equal to or less than a predetermined value, a point where the structure exists between the sidewalk and the roadway is determined as the first point. Information processing methods.

9. When the size or weight of the luggage is greater than the predetermined value, a point where the structure does not exist between the sidewalk and the roadway is determined as the first point. The information processing method according to claim 8.

10. The second road data further includes data for identifying a first area having a traffic volume equal to or greater than a predetermined value and a second area other than the first area.

10. The information processing method according to claim 8 or 9.

11. Selecting a point within the second area as the first point. The information processing method according to claim 10.

12. Further obtaining information about attributes of the user; determining a location that matches the attributes of the user as the first location; The information processing method according to any one of claims 8 to 11.

13. acquiring information about an area where the user wishes to load and unload the luggage, and determining the first point within the area; The information processing method according to any one of claims 8 to 12.

14. further generating a command to direct the vehicle to the first location; The information processing method according to any one of claims 8 to 13.

Images