Control method and control system

Abstract

This control method comprises the following. On the basis of operation ability of each of a plurality of operators that remotely monitor or operate a moving body, first information indicating a group control level required for a group consisting of the plurality of operators to carry out a remote operation is determined. Second information indicating an attribute-specific control level required for each of the plurality of operators to carry out the remote operation is determined on the basis of attribute information of each of the plurality of operators, and third information indicating an individual control level for each of the plurality of operators is determined on the basis of the first information and the second information. A moving body present within a predetermined range from a predetermined notification device is identified. Fourth information indicating a device control level used when controlling the predetermined notification device is determined on the basis of the third information determined for the operator of the identified moving body. A notification content to be output from the predetermined notification device is determined on the basis of the fourth information, and a control command for making a notification with the notification content is output.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control method and a control system for controlling a notification device that notifies traffic information. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a traffic light control system that controls traffic lights in order to monitor automobile traffic at intersections and ensure the safety of pedestrians crossing the street. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-79631 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the system disclosed in Patent Document 1, information about pedestrians is read by a reader installed on a traffic light and the traffic light is then controlled. However, this system may not be able to properly control notification devices that notify traffic information, such as traffic lights.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a control method and a control system that can appropriately control a notification device that notifies traffic information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a control method performed by a control device, and includes the following: determining first information indicating a group control level required for a group of multiple operators to perform remote operation based on the operating capabilities of each of the multiple operators who remotely monitor or remotely operate a mobile object, wherein the control level indicates the degree to which a notification device that notifies people around the mobile object will assist the operator in remotely operating the mobile object; determining second information indicating an attribute-specific control level required for each of the multiple operators to perform remote operation based on attribute information of each of the multiple operators, and determining third information indicating an individual control level for each of the multiple operators based on the first information and the second information; identifying one or more of the mobile objects that are present within a predetermined range from a predetermined notification device; determining fourth information indicating a device control level to be used when controlling the predetermined notification device based on the third information determined for the operators of the identified one or more mobile objects; and determining notification content to be output from the predetermined notification device based on the fourth information, and outputting a control command to notify based on the notification content.

[0007] A control system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of operation terminals that accept operation inputs from a plurality of operators, a plurality of notification devices that notify traffic information related to moving objects, and a server that controls the plurality of notification devices in response to the operation inputs, wherein the server includes a group level determination unit that determines, based on the operation capabilities of each of the plurality of operators, first information indicating a group control level required for a group made up of the plurality of operators to perform remote operation, and an attribute level determination unit that determines, based on attribute information of each of the plurality of operators, second information indicating an attribute-based control level required for each of the plurality of operators to perform remote operation. The system comprises a gender level determination unit, an individual level determination unit that determines third information indicating an individual control level for each of the plurality of operators based on the first information and the second information, an information acquisition unit that acquires mobile object information regarding one or more mobile objects that are present within a predetermined range from a predetermined notification device, a device level determination unit that determines fourth information indicating a device control level to be used when controlling the predetermined notification device based on the third information determined for the operators of the one or more mobile objects identified from the mobile object information, and a control command output unit that determines notification content to be output from the predetermined notification device based on the fourth information and outputs a control command to make a notification based on the notification content. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the control method and the like of the above aspect, it is possible to appropriately control the notification device that notifies traffic information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a control system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a notification device included in the control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the notification device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of traffic information notified by the notification device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the operation terminal included in the control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a server included in the control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing operator information acquired by the control system. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the correspondence relationship between the proportion of normal operators and the first information indicating the group control level. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the correspondence between the attribute information of the operator and the attribute-based control level. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the individual control levels determined by the control system. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing moving body information acquired by the control system. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing notification device information acquired by the control system. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the correspondence between moving objects, operators, and notification devices generated by the control system. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing device control levels for notification devices determined by the control system. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a control method according to the embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a flow in the step of determining the first information. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a flow in the step of determining the second information indicating the attribute-based control level. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a flow in the step of determining the third information indicating the individual control level. [Figure 20]FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a flow of steps for generating correspondence relationships between mobile objects, operators, and notification devices. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a flow diagram illustrating the steps for determining a device control level for a notification device. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating another example of a notification device included in the control system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In an autonomous driving service, for example, an operator monitors, provides guidance, and guides the vehicle. In order to ensure the safety of people near the vehicle and the smooth running of the vehicle in this autonomous driving service, it is necessary to develop a traffic infrastructure for the roads on which the vehicle travels. One example of such a traffic infrastructure is a notification device installed on the side of the road that notifies the vehicle of traffic information.

[0011] By having an operator control the notification device and notify traffic information about the vehicle, it is possible to ensure the safety of people near the vehicle and the smooth running of the vehicle. However, depending on the operator's operating ability, etc., there are times when the notification device is unable to properly notify traffic information. If traffic information cannot be properly notified, safety and smooth running on road traffic cannot be achieved.

[0012] In contrast, the control method of this embodiment has the following configuration, making it possible to appropriately control the notification device that notifies traffic information.

[0013] That is, a control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a control method performed by a control device, and includes: Based on the operational capabilities of each of a plurality of operators who remotely monitor or remotely operate the mobile object, first information indicating a group control level required for a group formed by the plurality of operators to perform remote operation is determined, wherein the control level indicates the degree to which a notification device that notifies people around the mobile object will assist the operators in remotely operating the mobile object; determining second information indicating an attribute-based control level required for each of the plurality of operators to perform remote operation based on attribute information of each of the plurality of operators, and determining third information indicating an individual control level for each of the plurality of operators based on the first information and the second information; identifying one or more of the mobile objects that are within a predetermined range from a predetermined notification device; determining fourth information indicating a device control level to be used in controlling the predetermined notification device based on the third information determined for the identified one or more operators of the mobile units; and The notification content to be output from the predetermined notification device is determined based on the fourth information, and a control command is output to perform notification according to the notification content.

[0014] In this way, by determining the individual control level based on the group control level and the attribute-specific control level, and determining the device control level based on the individual control level and the information of the notification device, it is possible to appropriately control the notification device that notifies traffic information.

[0015] The third information may be determined to be the higher control level of the first information and the second information.

[0016] This ensures road traffic safety and makes it possible to appropriately control notification devices that notify traffic information.

[0017] In addition, when there are multiple moving objects around one notification device, the fourth information may be determined to be the third information with the highest control level determined for multiple operators who remotely operate the multiple moving objects.

[0018] This ensures road traffic safety and makes it possible to appropriately control notification devices that notify traffic information.

[0019] Furthermore, the operation ability of each of the plurality of operators may be determined based on the proficiency of the operator in remotely operating the moving object.

[0020] This allows the group control level, which is determined based on the operator's operation ability, to be appropriately determined. Therefore, the individual control level can be appropriately determined based on the group control level and the attribute-specific control level, and further, the device control level can be appropriately determined. This allows the notification device that notifies traffic information to be appropriately controlled.

[0021] The group control level may also be determined based on the percentage of average operators (not advanced) among all operators in the group.

[0022] This allows the group control level to be appropriately determined based on the ratio of normal operators, and therefore the individual control level can be appropriately determined based on the group control level and the attribute-specific control level, and further the device control level can be appropriately determined, thereby enabling appropriate control of notification devices that notify traffic information.

[0023] The attribute information may also include information regarding at least one of the qualifications held by the agent, the work performance, the amount of work currently being performed, and the content of the work currently being performed.

[0024] This allows the attribute-based control level determined based on the attribute information to be appropriately determined. Therefore, the individual control level can be appropriately determined based on the group control level and the attribute-based control level, and further, the device control level can be appropriately determined. This allows the notification device that notifies traffic information to be appropriately controlled.

[0025] The notification device may be installed in an area in which the mobile object moves.

[0026] This makes it possible to appropriately control a plurality of notification devices that notify traffic information.

[0027] Furthermore, the notification device may be a plurality of devices, and at least one of the plurality of notification devices may be provided in the mobile object.

[0028] This allows the notification device provided in the mobile object to be appropriately controlled.

[0029] The moving body may be an autonomous vehicle.

[0030] This allows for appropriate control of the notification device that notifies information about autonomously driven vehicles.

[0031] A control system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a control system including a plurality of operation terminals that accept operation inputs from a plurality of operators, a plurality of notification devices that notify traffic information regarding a moving object, and a server that controls the plurality of notification devices in accordance with the operation inputs. The server includes: a group level determination unit that determines first information indicating a group control level required for a group made up of the plurality of operators to perform remote operation based on the operating capabilities of each of the plurality of operators; an attribute-based level determination unit that determines second information indicating an attribute-based control level required for each of the plurality of operators to perform remote operation based on attribute information of each of the plurality of operators; an individual level determination unit that determines third information indicating an individual control level for each of the plurality of operators based on the first information and the second information; an information acquisition unit that acquires mobile object information regarding one or more mobile objects that exist within a predetermined range from a predetermined notification device; a device level determination unit that determines fourth information indicating a device control level to be used when controlling the predetermined notification device based on the third information determined for operators of the one or more mobile objects identified from the mobile object information; and a control command output unit that determines notification content to be output from the predetermined notification device based on the fourth information, and outputs a control command to perform notification according to the notification content.

[0032] In this control system, an individual control level is determined based on the group control level and the attribute-specific control level, and a device control level for a notification device is determined based on the individual control level and information on the notification device, thereby making it possible to appropriately control notification devices that notify traffic information.

[0033] These general or specific aspects may be realized as a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or as any combination of a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium.

[0034] A control method and a control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.

[0035] Note that the embodiments described below each illustrate a specific example of the present disclosure. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection configurations, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims that represent the highest concept are described as optional components.

[0036] (Embodiment) [Overall configuration of the control system] The overall configuration of the control system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0037] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a control system 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system 1 according to an embodiment.

[0038] 1 and 2, the control system 1 includes a plurality of operation terminals 100, a server 10, and a plurality of notification devices 200. The control system 1 may also include a plurality of mobile objects 300 that move on a road.

[0039] The operation terminal 100 is communicatively connected to the server 10 via a network such as the Internet. The notification device 200 and the mobile object 300 are communicatively connected to the server 10 via the network. That is, the server 10 is communicatively connected to the operation terminal 100, the notification device 200, and the mobile object 300 via the network.

[0040] The mobile object 300 is a vehicle, for example, an autonomous vehicle, that is monitored by the control system 1. The mobile object 300 is equipped with a GPS (Global Positioning System) and is capable of transmitting its own location information to the server 10.

[0041] The operation terminal 100 is a terminal device that accepts operation inputs for remotely operating the notification device 200 and the mobile object 300. The operation terminal 100 accepts operation inputs from a plurality of operators P and outputs the inputs to the server 10.

[0042] The server 10 is a control device that remotely controls a plurality of moving objects 300 in response to operation inputs received by a plurality of operation terminals 100. The server 10 performs various arithmetic processing in response to the operation inputs, and outputs control commands based on the arithmetic processing to the moving objects 300. The server 10 also outputs control commands to the notification device 200 to control the notification device 200.

[0043] Notification device 200 is a device that notifies people around notification device 200 of traffic information related to mobile object 300. Traffic information related to mobile object 300 is, for example, information necessary to ensure the safety of people near mobile object 300 and the smooth movement of mobile object 300. People around notification device 200 are, for example, people within a distance of 10 meters from notification device 200, including people walking on the road, people waiting at a traffic light, people riding bicycles, etc. Notification device 200 notifies traffic information based on a control command output from server 10.

[0044] In this way, the control system 1 uses the notification device 200 to notify people near the mobile object 300 of traffic information related to the mobile object 300 in order to ensure the safety of people near the mobile object 300 and the smooth movement of the mobile object 300. The configurations of the operation terminal 100, the server 10, and the notification device 200 provided in the control system 1 will be described below.

[0045] [Notification device] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of the notification device 200 provided in the control system 1. Fig. 4 is a block diagram of the notification device 200 provided in the control system 1.

[0046] Notification device 200 is installed in an area where mobile object 300 moves, such as at an intersection or on the side of a road (see FIG. 1). For example, notification device 200 is installed at a corner of an intersection or at a predetermined interval (for example, at intervals of 10 m or more and 50 m or less) along a road. Notification device 200 may also be installed adjacent to a guide sign located above the road.

[0047] 3 and 4, notification device 200 includes communication unit 201, display unit 203, sound output unit 204, and control unit 205. Communication unit 201, display unit 203, and sound output unit 204 are each connected to control unit 205.

[0048] The communication unit 201 is a communication module that communicates with the server 10 via a network. The display unit 203 is, for example, a visual display that displays traffic information related to the mobile object 300 using characters, symbols, figures, etc. The display unit 203 is, for example, placed at a height of 1 m to 2 m from the ground. The sound output unit 204 is, for example, a speaker that notifies the traffic information related to the mobile object 300 by voice. The control unit 205 controls the operation of the communication unit 201, the display unit 203, and the sound output unit 204. The control unit 205 is composed of a microprocessor, a memory, a program stored in the memory, etc. The control unit 205 may also have a GPS function.

[0049] In the control system 1, a control level is set for each of the multiple notification devices 200. The control level is information that is set to determine the content or method of notification from the notification device 200. The control level varies depending on the operating ability or workload of each operator P who operates each mobile object 300, and is set to three levels, for example, "low, medium, and high."

[0050] In the control system 1 of this embodiment, the content of traffic information notified by each notification device 200 differs depending on the control level set for each notification device 200.

[0051] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the content of traffic information notified by notification device 200. As shown in FIG.

[0052] For example, if the operator P remotely operating the mobile object 300 has high operational capabilities, there is less need for the notification device 200 to issue a notification to warn nearby people or other mobile objects to ensure safety. In other words, there is less need for the control system 1 to assist the operator P in remotely operating the mobile object 300 using the notification device 200. In this case, the control system 1 sets the device control level for the notification device 200 to "low" and determines the content and method of notification from the notification device 200 so as not to warn nearby people or other mobile objects more than necessary. When the control system 1 warns nearby people about an approaching autonomous vehicle, for example, as shown in (a) of FIG. 5, it statically displays the message "Please stop" only on the display unit 203 without using the sound output unit 204.

[0053] For example, when operator P has medium operating ability (between the high case described above and the low case described below), compared to operator P with high operating ability, there is a relatively high need for the notification device 200 to issue a notification to warn nearby people or other moving objects to ensure safety. In other words, the control system 1 is more likely to use the notification device 200 to assist operator P in remotely operating the moving object 300 than when operator P has high operating ability. In this case, the control system 1 sets the device control level to "medium" and determines the content and method of the notification from the notification device 200 so as to warn nearby people and other moving objects appropriately. When warning nearby people that an autonomous vehicle is approaching, the control system 1 dynamically displays the words "Please stop" on the display unit 203, for example, as shown in (b) of FIG. 5, and also displays a pictogram on the display unit 203 illustrating that an autonomous vehicle is approaching.

[0054] For example, when operator P has low operational ability, the need for notification from notification device 200 to warn nearby people or other moving objects to ensure safety is greater than when operator P has medium operational ability. In other words, the need for control system 1 to assist operator P in remotely operating moving object 300 using notification device 200 is greater than when operator P has medium operational ability. In this case, control system 1 sets the device control level to "high" and determines the content and method of notification from notification device 200 so as to sufficiently warn nearby people and other moving objects. When warning nearby people that an autonomous vehicle is approaching, for example, as shown in (c) of FIG. 5, control system 1 dynamically displays the words "Please stop" on display unit 203, displays a pictogram on display unit 203 illustrating that an autonomous vehicle is approaching, and outputs a voice message saying "Please stop" from sound output unit 204.

[0055] In this way, it is possible to change the level of assistance that the notification device 200 provides to the operator P in remotely operating the mobile object 300 depending on the operating ability of the operator P who operates each mobile object 300. Specifically, by changing the content of the notification from the notification device 200 depending on the operating ability of the operator P, it is possible to change the degree to which surrounding people and other mobile objects are warned. This ensures safety and smoothness of traffic.

[0056] A specific configuration for determining the device control level will be described below.

[0057] [Operation terminal] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the operation terminal 100 included in the control system 1. As shown in FIG.

[0058] The operation terminal 100 is, for example, a device such as a PC (personal computer), and includes a communication unit 101, an input unit 102, a display unit 103, and a control unit 105. The communication unit 101, the input unit 102, and the display unit 103 are each connected to the control unit 105.

[0059] The communication unit 101 is a communication module that communicates with the server 10 via a network. The input unit 102 is a user interface that accepts operational inputs from the operator P. The display unit 103 is, for example, a display. In order to monitor or remotely control the mobile object 300, the display unit 103 displays a map of the area in which the mobile object 300 moves, the position of the mobile object 300 on the map, a travel plan for the mobile object 300, etc. The control unit 105 controls the operation of the communication unit 101, the input unit 102, and the display unit 103. The control unit 105 is composed of a microprocessor, a memory, a program stored in the memory, etc.

[0060] Operator information ip relating to operator P is input to the operation terminal 100 by the input unit 102. The operator information ip includes, for example, the name of operator P, ID (identification), the operating ability of operator P, and attribute information of operator P. The input operator information ip is output to the server 10.

[0061] [server] The server 10 is installed in a location different from the location where the notification device 200 is installed, for example, inside a building such as a building. The server 10 may also be installed in the same location as the operation terminal 100.

[0062] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the server 10 included in the control system 1. As shown in FIG.

[0063] 7, the server 10 includes a group level determination unit 30, an attribute-specific level determination unit 40, an individual level determination unit 50, an equipment level determination unit 70, and a control command output unit 80. The server 10 also includes an operator information acquisition unit 20 and an infrastructure information acquisition unit 60.

[0064] The server 10 is configured with a communication module, a microprocessor, a memory, and programs stored in the memory. The memory stores information about the notification device 200 and the mobile object 300. The functional configuration of each of the level determination units and information acquisition units described above is realized by executing the programs stored in the memory.

[0065] The operator information acquisition unit 20 shown in FIG. 7 acquires, from the operation terminal 100, operator information ip relating to the operator P who will perform remote operation.

[0066] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing operator information ip acquired by the control system 1. As shown in FIG.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 8, the operator information ip includes the name of the operator P, the ID, the operation ability of the operator P, the attribute information ia of the operator P, and the status of the operator P.

[0068] The operating ability of an operator P is determined based on the proficiency of the operator P who remotely operates the mobile object 300. For example, if an operator P has four years or more of experience, he or she is considered to be an advanced operator P1, and if he or she has less than four years of experience, he or she is considered to be an average (normal) operator P2. The attribute information ia of the operator P is, for example, information regarding the qualifications held by the operator P, the work record, the amount of work currently being performed, and the content of the work currently being performed.

[0069] Furthermore, the operator information acquisition unit 20 acquires whether the state of the operator P is an active state or an inactive state. The active state is a state in which the operator P can monitor or remotely operate the moving body 300 using the operation terminal 100, and the inactive state is a state other than the active state. The inactive state occurs when the operator P is not logged in to the control system 1 or is taking a break.

[0070] The information about the operator P acquired by the operator information acquisition unit 20 is used by the group level determination unit 30, attribute level determination unit 40, individual level determination unit 50, infrastructure information acquisition unit 60, and device level determination unit 70 described below.

[0071] 7 determines first information indicating a group control level L1 required for a group made up of multiple operators P to perform remote operation, based on the operation capabilities of each of the multiple operators P. The group control level L1 corresponds to a standard control level for the entire group (the degree to which the notification device 200 assists the operator P in remotely operating the mobile object 300), and the same level is set for each of the multiple operators P.

[0072] For example, the group level determination unit 30 determines the group control level L1 by calculating the proportion of ordinary operators P2 who are not advanced among all the operators P who make up the group. The group here refers to a group made up of all the operators P who are active with respect to the control system 1. The proportion of ordinary operators P2 is calculated by using the number of all the operators P who are active as the denominator and the number of ordinary operators P2 as the numerator.

[0073] 9 is a diagram showing an example of the correspondence relationship between the proportion of ordinary operators P2 and the group control level L1. The group control level L1 shown in FIG. 9 is divided into three levels: "low, medium, and high."

[0074] For example, if the proportion of average operators P2 in a given group is less than 40%, the group level determination unit 30 determines the given group control level L1 to be "low" because it is assumed that remote operation will be performed appropriately by the high-level operators P1, who make up a larger proportion. For example, if the proportion of average operators P2 is 40% or more but less than 60%, the group level determination unit 30 determines the given group control level L1 to be "medium" because it is assumed that remote operation will be performed without problems by the high-level operators P1 and the average operators P2. For example, if the proportion of average operators P2 is 60% or more, the group level determination unit 30 determines the given group control level L1 to be "high" because it is assumed that remote operation may not be performed appropriately.

[0075] The group control level L1 determined by the group level determination unit 30 is used when determining an individual control level L3, which will be described later.

[0076] 7 determines second information indicating an attribute-based control level L2 required for each of the multiple operators P to perform remote operation, based on the attribute information ia of each of the multiple operators P. The attribute-based control level L2 can be set to a different level depending on the operation ability of each operator. In this embodiment, an attribute-based control level L2 is associated in advance with each attribute, and the attribute-based level determination unit 40 determines the attribute-based control level L2 for each operator P based on the associated attribute-based control level L2.

[0077] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the correspondence relationship between the attribute information ia of the operator P and the attribute-based control level L2. The attribute-based control level L2 shown in Fig. 10 is divided into three stages: "low, medium, and high."

[0078] For example, if operator P holds a first-class remote operation operator qualification, the attribute-based level determination unit 40 assumes that operator P will perform remote operation appropriately and therefore determines the attribute-based control level L2 of this operator P to be "low." For example, if operator P holds a second-class remote operation operator qualification, the attribute-based level determination unit 40 assumes that operator P will perform remote operation without any problems and therefore determines the attribute-based control level L2 of this operator P to be "medium." For example, if operator P holds a third-class remote operation operator qualification, the attribute-based level determination unit 40 assumes that operator P may not perform remote operation appropriately and therefore determines the attribute-based control level L2 of this operator P to be "high."

[0079] The attribute-specific level determining unit 40 may determine the attribute-specific control level L2 based on the workload currently being performed by the operator P. For example, if the operator P is currently performing a large workload, it becomes difficult for him or her to pay attention to anything other than the workload currently being performed. In this case, the attribute-specific level determining unit 40 may determine the attribute-specific control level L2 of the operator P currently performing a large workload to be "high" in order to ensure the safety of people located near the mobile body 300 monitored by the operator P.

[0080] Furthermore, the attribute-specific level determination unit 40 may determine the attribute-specific control level L2 based on the work content currently being performed by the operator P. For example, if a high proportion of operators are currently handling complaints, it becomes difficult for multiple operators P to follow up with each other. In this case, the attribute-specific level determination unit 40 may determine the attribute-specific control level L2 of the operator P currently handling a complaint to be "high" in order to ensure the safety of people located near the mobile body 300 monitored by the operator P.

[0081] The attribute-specific control level L2 determined by the attribute-specific level determination unit 40 is used when determining an individual control level L3, which will be described later.

[0082] 7 determines third information indicating an individual control level L3 for each of a plurality of operators P based on the group control level L1 and the attribute-based control level L2. In this embodiment, the individual level determination unit 50 determines the higher control level of the group control level L1 (first information) and the attribute-based control level L2 (second information) as the individual control level L3 (third information). In other words, the higher of the group control level L1, which is the standard for the entire group, and the attribute-based control level L2, which is determined based on the operating ability, etc. of a certain operator P (i.e., the level with a higher degree of assistance from the notification device 200), is determined as the individual control level L3 (degree of assistance from the notification device 200) for that operator P.

[0083] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the individual control levels L3 determined by the control system 1. The individual control levels L3 shown in Fig. 11 are also divided into three levels: "low, medium, and high."

[0084] For example, when the group control level L1 is "medium" and the attribute-specific control level L2 is "low," the individual level determination unit 50 determines the individual control level L3 to be "medium." For example, when the group control level L1 is "medium" and the attribute-specific control level L2 is "high," the individual level determination unit 50 determines the individual control level L3 to be "high." For example, when the group control level L1 is "medium" and the attribute-specific control level L2 is "medium," the individual level determination unit 50 determines the individual control level L3 to be "medium." In this way, the individual level determination unit 50 selects and determines the higher control level to ensure road traffic safety.

[0085] The infrastructure information acquisition unit 60 shown in FIG. 7 acquires information about notification devices 200 located within a predetermined distance from a mobile object 300 that is monitored or remotely operated by a plurality of operators P.

[0086] 12 is a diagram showing moving object information it acquired by the control system 1. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing notification device information ic acquired by the control system 1.

[0087] The infrastructure information acquisition unit 60 acquires mobile object information it relating to the position of the mobile object 300 based on a signal transmitted from the mobile object 300. As shown in Fig. 12, the mobile object information it includes a vehicle ID, the name of an operator P monitoring the vehicle, and vehicle position information (x, y). The vehicle position information may be expressed as a distance relative to a reference coordinate system or as latitude and longitude.

[0088] Furthermore, the infrastructure information acquisition unit 60 acquires notification device information ic relating to the notification device 200 based on information stored in memory or a signal transmitted from the notification device 200. As shown in Fig. 13, the notification device information ic includes the ID of the notification device 200 and location information (x, y) of the notification device 200. The location information of the notification device 200 may be expressed as a distance relative to a reference coordinate system, or may be expressed as latitude and longitude.

[0089] The infrastructure information acquisition unit 60 generates a correspondence relationship between the mobile object 300, the operator P, and the notification device 200 based on the mobile object information it and the notification device information ic.

[0090] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the correspondence relationship between the mobile object 300, the operator P, and the notification device 200 generated by the control system 1. The diagram lists the ID information of the notification devices 200 located within a predetermined distance from the mobile object 300 that the operator P is monitoring or remotely operating. The predetermined distance is, for example, a range of 0 m to 50 m. For the name A in FIG. 14, for example, the ID information c1, c4, c7, and c10 of the notification devices located near the vehicle t1 that the name A is monitoring is shown.

[0091] According to this diagram, the server 10 can grasp the ID information of the notification device 200 located near the mobile object 300 and the operator P who controls that notification device 200. The server 10 can also identify one or more mobile objects 300 that exist within a predetermined range from a predetermined notification device 200. The server 10 sets a device control level L4 for each notification device 200 based on this Fig. 14.

[0092] The device level determination unit 70 shown in FIG. 7 determines fourth information indicating a device control level L4 for the notification device 200 based on the individual control level L3 and information about the notification device 200. The device control level L4 is a control level used when controlling the notification device 200, and is determined based on the individual control level L3 of an operator P who remotely operates a mobile object located within a predetermined range from a certain notification device. For example, the device level determination unit 70 refers to the information shown in FIG. 14, and when there are multiple mobile objects 300 associated with one notification device 200, determines the highest control level among the individual control levels L3 (third information) of the multiple operators P who remotely operate these multiple mobile objects 300 as the device control level L4 (fourth information). That is, in this example, when there are multiple mobile objects located within a predetermined range from a certain notification device 200, the control level of the notification device 200 is determined as a control level suited to the operator P who most needs assistance from the notification device 200, among the multiple operators P who remotely operate the multiple mobile objects.

[0093] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing the device control level L4 determined by the control system 1. The device control level L4 shown in Fig. 15 is also divided into three levels: "low, medium, and high." Fig. 15 shows a case where there are two operators who control the notification device 200.

[0094] For example, if the individual control level L3 of name A is "high" and the individual control level L3 of name B is "medium", the device level determination unit 70 determines the device control level L4 to be "high". For example, if the individual control level L3 of name A is "medium" and the individual control level L3 of name B is "high", the device level determination unit 70 determines the device control level L4 to be "high". For example, if the individual control level L3 of name A is "medium" and the individual control level L3 of name B is "medium", the device level determination unit 70 determines the device control level L4 to be "medium".

[0095] Since the position of the moving object 300 changes from moment to moment, the notification devices 200 located near the moving object 300 also change from moment to moment. Therefore, each device control level L4 is also determined to change from moment to moment.

[0096] The control command output unit 80 shown in Fig. 7 determines the notification content to be notified to the notification device 200 according to the device control level L4. Then, the control command output unit 80 outputs a control command for notification from the notification device 200 based on the determined notification content. The notification content to be notified to the notification device 200 is as exemplified in Fig. 5.

[0097] As described above, according to the control system 1 of this embodiment, a group control level L1 is determined based on the operation capabilities of multiple operators P, an attribute-based control level L2 is determined based on attribute information ia of the multiple operators P, and an individual control level L3 is determined based on the group control level L1 and the attribute-based control level L2. Then, the control system 1 determines a device control level L4 based on the individual control level L3 and information about the notification device 200. By determining the device control level L4 in this way, it is possible to appropriately control the notification device 200 that notifies traffic information.

[0098] [Control method] The control method in the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0099] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a control method according to the embodiment.

[0100] 16, the control method in the embodiment includes step S10 of determining first information indicating a group control level L1, step S20 of determining second information indicating an attribute-based control level L2, step S30 of determining third information indicating an individual control level L3, step S40 of generating a correspondence relationship between the mobile object 300, the operator P, and the notification device 200, and step S50 of determining fourth information indicating a device control level L4 related to the notification device 200. The control method also includes step S60 of outputting a control command to the notification device 200. Each step will be described below.

[0101] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the flow in step S10 for determining the first information indicating the group control level L1.

[0102] First, the server 10 acquires the operator information ip from the operation terminal 100 (step S11).

[0103] Next, the server 10 calculates the proportion of ordinary operators P2 who are not advanced among all the operators P who make up the group (step S12). The proportion of ordinary operators P2 is calculated by using the number of all the operators P in an active state as the denominator and the number of ordinary operators P2 as the numerator.

[0104] Next, the server 10 determines first information indicating the group control level L1 (step S13). For example, the server 10 determines the group control level L1 based on the proportion of ordinary operators P2 calculated in step S12 and the correspondence relationship shown in Fig. 9. Note that Fig. 9 is merely an example.

[0105] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the flow in step S20 for determining the attribute-specific control level L2.

[0106] The server 10 acquires the operator information ip from the operation terminal 100 (step S21). Note that, in step S11, if the necessary operator information ip has been acquired in step S20, this step S21 may be omitted.

[0107] Next, the server 10 determines the attribute-specific control level L2 based on the operator information ip and the correspondence shown in Fig. 10 (step S22). Note that Fig. 10 is merely an example.

[0108] Note that step S20 may be executed before step S10.

[0109] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the flow in step S30 for determining the individual control level L3.

[0110] The server 10 compares the group control level L1 with the attribute-based control level L2, specifically determining whether the attribute-based control level L2 is higher than the group control level L1 (step S31).

[0111] If the server 10 determines that the attribute-based control level L2 is lower (No in S31), it determines the group control level L1 as the individual control level L3 (step S32).If the server 10 determines that the attribute-based control level L2 is higher (Yes in S31), it determines the attribute-based control level L2 as the individual control level L3 (step S33).

[0112] The server 10 executes steps S31 to S33 for each operator P to determine the individual control level L3 for each operator P.

[0113] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the flow of step S40 in which the correspondence between the mobile object 300, the operator P, and the notification device 200 is generated.

[0114] The server 10 acquires the mobile unit information it (step S41) and the notification device information ic (step S42). Note that step S42 may be executed before step S41.

[0115] Next, the server 10 generates a correspondence relationship between the mobile object 300, the operator P, and the notification device 200, as shown in Fig. 14, based on the mobile object information it and the notification device information ic (step 43). The server 10 also identifies one or more mobile objects 300 that exist within a predetermined range from a predetermined notification device 200.

[0116] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the flow in step S50 for determining the device control level L4 for the notification device 200.

[0117] First, the server 10 determines whether or not a plurality of operators P are involved in a given notification device 200 (step S51).

[0118] If the server 10 determines that only one operator P is involved (No in S51), it determines the individual control level L3 of that operator P as the device control level L4 for the specified notification device 200 (step S52).If the server 10 determines that multiple operators P are involved (Yes in S51), it determines the highest control level among the individual control levels L3 of the multiple operators P as the device control level L4 (step S53).

[0119] The server 10 executes these steps S51 to S53 for each notification device 200. As a result, each device control level L4 is determined.

[0120] Then, the server 10 determines the notification content to be notified to the notification device 200 in accordance with the device control level L4 determined in step S50, and outputs a control command to the notification device 200 based on the determined notification content (step S60). The control method is executed by these steps S10 to S60.

[0121] As described above, the control method includes step S10 of determining a group control level L1, step S20 of determining an attribute-specific control level L2, step S30 of determining an individual control level L3, step S40 of generating a correspondence relationship between the mobile object 300, the operator P, and the notification device 200, step S50 of determining a device control level L4, and step S60 of outputting a control command to the notification device 200. This allows the notification device 200 that notifies traffic information to be appropriately controlled.

[0122] [Modification of notification device] A description will be given of a modified example of the notification device 200 provided in the control system 1 in the embodiment. In this modified example, an example in which the notification device 200 is installed in a moving object 300 will be described.

[0123] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing another example of the notification device 200 included in the control system 1. As shown in FIG.

[0124] As shown in Fig. 22, notification device 200 is placed on the roof of a vehicle, which is moving body 300. Notification device 200 of the modified example also includes communication unit 201, display unit 203, sound output unit 204, and control unit 205. Display unit 203 is not limited to being horizontally long, but may also be vertically long. A device control level L4 is set for this notification device 200 as in the embodiment.

[0125] For example, when the device control level L4 is set to "low," the notification device 200 on the mobile object 300 may notify traffic information using the display unit 203 and the sound output unit 204. For example, when the device control level L4 is set to "medium," the mobile object 300 may change the orientation of the mobile object 300 so that the person to whom the traffic information is to be notified can easily recognize the display of the notification device 200. For example, when the device control level L4 is set to "high," the mobile object 300 may move closer to the person to whom the traffic information is to be notified to notify the person of the traffic information.

[0126] (Other embodiments) Although the control method and control system according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure have been described based on the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. As long as they do not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure, various modifications conceivable by those skilled in the art to the present embodiments and configurations constructed by combining components of different embodiments may also be included within the scope of one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0127] For example, in the above embodiment, the control levels are divided into three stages, "low, medium, and high," but the present invention is not limited to this, and the control levels may be divided into four or more stages. Each control level may be expressed by a numerical value.

[0128] In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the group control level L1, attribute-based control level L2, individual control level L3, and device control level L4 are divided into the same three levels, but this is not limited to this, and the number of levels for each control level may be different.

[0129] In the above embodiment, an example of setting the device control level L4 has been described, but the device control level L4 changes from time to time. Therefore, the control system 1 may check the safety of the area around the notification device 200 when changing the device control level L4. For example, if the notification device 200 is equipped with a camera, the control system 1 may use the camera to check the safety of the area and then change the device control level L4.

[0130] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which traffic information is notified by the notification device 200, but the notification device 200 does not need to notify traffic information all the time. For example, when the control system 1 acquires a movement plan for the moving object 300 and there is no moving object 300 near the notification device 200, the control system 1 may set the device control level L4 to "low" so that no more traffic information is not notified than necessary.

[0131] For example, when multiple mobile bodies 300 monitored by multiple operators P are mixed in a small area, the control system 1 may determine the highest control level among the individual control levels L3 of the multiple operators P as the device control level L4 in the small area.

[0132] For example, if a task arises that cannot be handled by an operator P with his / her operating capabilities, the control system 1 may change the person in charge of the task to another operator P and reallocate the mobile bodies 300 monitored by each operator P.

[0133] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the control system 1 remotely controls the notification device 200 to ensure the safety of people, but this is not limiting. For example, the control system 1 may use the notification device 200 to provide guidance and direction for an autonomous vehicle to avoid traffic congestion or to detour around a construction site.

[0134] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the notification device 200 is controlled by the control system 1, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the moving object 300 itself may be remotely controlled by the control system 1. For example, the control system 1 may remotely control the vehicle's travel route to avoid traffic congestion or to detour around a construction site. [Industrial Applicability]

[0135] The present disclosure is useful as a control method for remotely operating transportation infrastructure related to autonomous driving services. [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] 1. Control System 10 Servers 20 Operator information acquisition unit 30 Group Level Determination Unit 40 Attribute-specific level determination section 50 Individual Level Determination Unit 60 Infrastructure Information Acquisition Department 70 Device level determination unit 80 Control command output section 100 Operation terminal 101 Communications Department 102 Input section 103 Display section 105 Control Unit 200 Notification device 201 Communications Department 203 Display section 204 Sound output unit 205 Control Unit 300 Mobile ia attribute information ic notification device information IP operator information IT Mobile Information L1 Group Control Level L2 Attribute-specific control level L3 Individual Control Level L4 Device Control Level P, P1, P2 Operators

Claims

1. A control method performed by a control device, comprising: determining first information indicating a group control level required for a group of the plurality of operators to perform remote operation based on the respective operating capabilities of the plurality of operators who remotely monitor or remotely operate the mobile object, wherein the control level indicates a degree to which a notification device that notifies people around the mobile object will assist the operators in remotely operating the mobile object; determining second information indicating an attribute-based control level required for each of the plurality of operators to perform remote operation based on attribute information of each of the plurality of operators, and determining third information indicating an individual control level for each of the plurality of operators based on the first information and the second information; Identifying one or more of the mobile objects that are within a predetermined range from a predetermined notification device; determining fourth information indicating a device control level to be used in controlling the predetermined notification device based on the third information determined for the identified one or more operators of the mobile units; and The notification content to be output from the predetermined notification device is determined based on the fourth information, and a control command is output to perform notification according to the determined notification content.

2. The third information is determined to be the higher control level of the first information and the second information. The control method according to claim 1 .

3. When there are a plurality of moving objects around one notification device, the fourth information is determined to be the third information with the highest control level among the third information determined for the plurality of operators who remotely operate the plurality of moving objects. The control method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The operation ability of each of the plurality of operators is determined based on the proficiency of the operator in remotely operating the mobile object. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The group control level is determined based on the percentage of non-senior operators among all operators in the group. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The attribute information includes information regarding at least one of the operator's qualifications, business performance, the amount of work currently being performed, and the content of the work currently being performed. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The notification device is installed in an area where the moving object moves. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The notification device is a plurality of devices, and at least one of the notification devices is provided in the mobile body. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. The moving body is an autonomous vehicle. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. a plurality of operation terminals that accept operation inputs from a plurality of operators; a plurality of notification devices that notify traffic information related to a moving object; a server that controls the plurality of notification devices in response to the operation input; A control system comprising: The server a group level determination unit that determines first information indicating a group control level required for a group made up of the plurality of operators to perform remote operation based on the operation capabilities of each of the plurality of operators; an attribute-based level determination unit that determines second information indicating an attribute-based control level required for each of the plurality of operators to perform remote operation based on the attribute information of each of the plurality of operators; an individual level determination unit that determines third information indicating an individual control level for each of the plurality of operators based on the first information and the second information; an information acquisition unit that acquires mobile object information regarding one or more mobile objects that exist within a predetermined range from a predetermined notification device; a device level determination unit that determines fourth information indicating a device control level to be used when controlling the predetermined notification device, based on the third information determined for the operators of one or more of the mobile bodies identified from the mobile body information; a control command output unit that determines notification content to be output from the predetermined notification device based on the fourth information and outputs a control command to perform notification based on the notification content; A control system comprising:

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