Information processing device, information processing system, information processing method, and vehicle

Abstract

To provide an information processor, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a vehicle which can improve a system that allows a customer visiting a facility such as a factory to get on a vehicle and tour the facility.SOLUTION: An information processor 20 includes a control part 21 for managing operation of a vehicle 10 traveling in a facility. The control part 21 generates a transportation schedule for allowing the vehicle 10 to transport a member used in the facility and a tour schedule for allowing a user touring the facility to get on the vehicle 10. The control part 21 allows the vehicle 10 to travel on the basis of the transportation schedule and the tour schedule.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a system has been known in which passengers ride in a collection and delivery vehicle that collects and delivers packages (for example, Patent Document 1, etc.). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-170223 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is room for improvement in the system that allows visitors to factories and other facilities to board a vehicle and tour the facility.

[0005] The purpose of the present disclosure, made in consideration of the above circumstances, is to improve a system that allows visitors to a facility such as a factory to board a vehicle and tour the facility. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a control unit that manages the operation of a vehicle traveling within a facility. The control unit generates a transportation schedule for the vehicle to transport components used in the facility and a tour schedule for users to tour the facility in the vehicle. The control unit drives the vehicle based on the transportation schedule and the tour schedule.

[0007] Moreover, an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the information processing device and a vehicle whose operation is managed by the information processing device.

[0008] An information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes managing the operation of a vehicle traveling within a facility. The information processing method includes generating a transportation schedule for the vehicle to transport components used in the facility and a tour schedule for users to tour the facility in the vehicle. The information processing method includes running the vehicle based on the transportation schedule and the tour schedule.

[0009] A vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure travels within a facility. The vehicle includes a cabin configured to be able to carry both components used in the facility and users touring the facility. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for allowing visitors to a facility such as a factory to board a vehicle and tour the facility can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle and a logistics robot. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of a facility tour by vehicle. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of member transportation by vehicles and moving bodies. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of an information processing method according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

[0013] (Outline of the embodiment) 1, an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a vehicle 10 and an information processing device 20. The information processing system 1 further includes, but is not required to include, a mobile object 70. The vehicle 10, the information processing device 20, and the mobile object 70 are communicably connected to each other via a network 30 including, for example, the Internet or a mobile communication network.

[0014] 1, for the sake of simplicity, the number of vehicles 10, information processing devices 20, and mobile bodies 70 included in the information processing system 1 is one each, but is not limited to this. The number of vehicles 10, information processing devices 20, and mobile bodies 70 included in the information processing system 1 may be two or more each, and may be determined arbitrarily.

[0015] Vehicle 10 is, for example, an automobile, but is not limited to this and may be any vehicle. Examples of automobiles include, but are not limited to, gasoline-powered automobiles, battery electric vehicles (BEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). Vehicle 10 may also be a manned vehicle or any autonomous vehicle that runs unmanned.

[0016] Vehicle 10 travels within a facility such as a factory. Vehicle 10 has a cabin in which users, including customers related to the facility or general users of the facility, can ride. Vehicle 10 travels within the facility with the user in the cabin, allowing the user to observe, for example, the process of a product being made on a production line from inside the vehicle.

[0017] The vehicle 10 has a cabin capable of carrying components used within a facility such as a factory. The vehicle 10 travels within the facility with the components loaded in the cabin, transporting the components to various locations within the facility. The cabin may be configured to be capable of carrying general items. The vehicle 10 may transport general items to various locations within the facility.

[0018] Vehicle 10 may have a cabin in which a user can ride and a cabin in which components can be loaded. Vehicle 10 may have a cabin in which a user can ride and in which components can be loaded. In other words, vehicle 10 may be configured to be able to carry both a user and components. Vehicle 10 may travel within a facility with a user riding in it and a component loaded. Conversely, vehicle 10 may travel within a facility with a user riding in it and a component loaded.

[0019] The information processing device 20 is, for example, a computer such as a server device. For example, the information processing device 20 is a server belonging to a cloud computing system or other computing system. Note that the information processing device 20 is not limited to these and may be any general-purpose electronic device such as a PC (Personal Computer), or may be another electronic device dedicated to the information processing system 1. The information processing device 20 is capable of communicating with the vehicle 10 via the network 30. In this embodiment, the information processing device 20 manages the operation of the vehicle 10 so that the vehicle 10 transports members and allows users to board.

[0020] First, an overview of this embodiment will be described, and details will be described later. The vehicle 10 carries a user and travels within the facility so that the user can tour the production line, etc. is mounted with components to be used within the facility and travels so as to transport the components to various locations within the facility. Note that "within the facility" is not limited to indoors and may include outdoors. The components may include various items used within the facility, such as work gloves, mittens, masks, hair nets, or gowns. The components may also be intermediate products in the manufacturing process that do not result in a finished product on a factory production line. In this case, the components may take various forms, such as a single component, a unit component formed by assembling multiple single components, or a semi-finished product.

[0021] According to this embodiment, the vehicle 10 carrying a user travels to various locations within a facility, allowing the user to tour the facility while transporting components to various locations within the facility. Furthermore, the vehicle 10 carrying the components transports the components to various locations within the facility while allowing the user to tour the various locations within the facility. In this embodiment, the vehicle 10 is configured to allow a user to ride in and to be able to carry components. The primary use of the vehicle 10 does not have to be limited to either allowing the user to tour the facility or transporting components. In this way, the operating efficiency of the vehicle 10 within the facility can be improved. Improving the operating efficiency of the vehicle 10 can make it easier for users to tour the facility. As a result, technology related to a system that allows users to tour the facility using the vehicle 10 in a facility such as a factory is improved.

[0022] (Configuration example of information processing system 1) Each component of the information processing system 1 will be described in detail below.

[0023] <Vehicle 10> As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, a positioning unit 14, an input unit 15, and an output unit 16.

[0024] The control unit 11 includes at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The dedicated circuit is, for example, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The control unit 11 controls each part of the vehicle 10 and executes processes related to the operation of the vehicle 10.

[0025] The storage unit 12 includes one or more memories. The memories may be, for example, semiconductor memory, magnetic memory, optical memory, or the like, but are not limited to these. The semiconductor memory may be, for example, a random access memory (RAM) or a read-only memory (ROM). The RAM may be, for example, a static random access memory (SRAM) or a dynamic random access memory (DRAM). The ROM may be, for example, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). Each memory included in the storage unit 12 may function, for example, as a main memory device, an auxiliary memory device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 12 stores any information used in the operation of the vehicle 10. For example, the storage unit 12 may store system programs, application programs, embedded software, and the like. The information stored in the storage unit 12 may be updatable with information obtained from the network 30 via the communication unit 13, for example. In this embodiment, the storage unit 12 can store any information necessary for traveling within a facility and touring a production line.

[0026] The communication unit 13 includes at least one external communication interface that connects to the network 30. The communication interface may be, for example, LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th The communication unit 13 is an interface compatible with mobile communication standards such as 5G (5th Generation) or 5G (5th Generation), and an interface compatible with short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), but is not limited to these. The communication unit 13 receives data used in the operation of the vehicle 10 and transmits data obtained by the operation of the vehicle 10 to an external device (for example, the information processing device 20). Send.

[0027] The positioning unit 14 includes one or more devices that acquire position information of the vehicle 10. Specifically, the positioning unit 14 includes a receiver compatible with a satellite positioning system such as a GPS (Global Positioning System), but is not limited to this and may include a receiver compatible with any positioning system. The positioning unit 14 may acquire the position information of the vehicle 10 continuously, periodically, or irregularly.

[0028] The input unit 15 includes a means for inputting information to the vehicle 10. For example, the input unit 15 includes any imaging module capable of capturing images of the surroundings of the vehicle 10. The imaging module may include one or more cameras. Each camera may be disposed at an appropriate position on the vehicle 10 so as to capture images of the surroundings of the vehicle 10. The input unit 15 may also include a means for inputting voice information as well as a voice recognition function. Without being limited thereto, the input unit 15 may include any means for acquiring information about the surroundings of the vehicle 10.

[0029] The output unit 16 includes at least one output interface. The output interface is, for example, a display device that outputs information as a video, or a speaker that outputs information as a sound. The display device is, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display) or an organic EL (electro luminescence) display, but may also be a goggle-type display device that displays VR (virtual reality) images. The output unit 16 outputs data received from the information processing device 20, data obtained by the operation of the vehicle 10, etc.

[0030] <Information processing device 20> As shown in FIG. 3, the information processing device 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit .

[0031] The control unit 21 includes at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA or an ASIC. The control unit 21 controls each unit of the information processing device 20 and executes processes related to the operation of the information processing device 20.

[0032] The storage unit 22 includes one or more memories. The memories may be, for example, semiconductor memory, magnetic memory, optical memory, or the like, but are not limited to these. The semiconductor memory may be, for example, RAM or ROM. The RAM may be, for example, SRAM or DRAM. The ROM may be, for example, EEPROM. Each memory included in the storage unit 22 functions, for example, as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 22 stores any information used in the operation of the information processing device 20. For example, the storage unit 22 may store system programs, application programs, databases, etc. The information stored in the storage unit 22 may be updatable with information obtained from the network 30 via the communication unit 23, for example. In this embodiment, the storage unit 22 can store any information necessary for touring the production line, such as a tour schedule for the vehicle 10 and explanatory information about tour spots.

[0033] The communication unit 23 includes one or more external communication interfaces connected to the network 30. The communication interface may be either a wired communication interface or a wireless communication interface. In the case of wired communication, the communication interface is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) interface or a USB (Universal Serial Bus). In the case of wireless communication, the communication interface is, for example, an interface compatible with a mobile communication standard such as LTE, 4G, or 5G, or an interface compatible with short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The communication unit 23 receives data used for the operation of the information processing device 20 and transmits data to the information processing device 20. The information processing device 20 transmits data obtained by the operation of the device 20 to an external device. In this embodiment, the information processing device 20 communicates with the vehicle 10 via the communication unit 23 and the network 30. Note that the information processing device 20 may also communicate with various devices on a production line via the communication unit 23 and the network 30.

[0034] 3 of this embodiment may further include an input unit and an output unit. That is, in addition to receiving (inputting) and transmitting (outputting) information via the communication unit 23, the information processing device 20 may input and output information using the input unit and output unit.

[0035] The functions of the information processing device 20 are realized by executing a program relating to the information processing method of this embodiment on a processor corresponding to the control unit 21. That is, the functions of the information processing device 20 are realized by software. The program causes a computer to execute the operations of the information processing device 20, thereby causing the computer to function as the information processing device 20. That is, the computer functions as the information processing device 20 by executing the operations of the information processing device 20 in accordance with the program.

[0036] In this embodiment, the program can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium includes non-transitory computer-readable media, such as a magnetic recording device, an optical disc, a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. The program can be distributed, for example, by selling, transferring, or lending a portable recording medium, such as a DVD (digital versatile disc) or a CD-ROM (compact disc read only memory), on which the program is recorded. The program can also be distributed by storing the program in the storage of an external server and transmitting the program from the external server to another computer. The program can also be provided as a program product.

[0037] <Mobile Unit 70> The moving body 70 unloads the members loaded on the vehicle 10 from the vehicle 10 and moves them to their final destination.

[0038] The mobile body 70 may be an air vehicle such as a drone. The mobile body 70 may be a vehicle different from the vehicle 10. The mobile body 70 may be a robot. The mobile body 70 may include a battery and a drive unit including a motor or the like that operates on battery power. The mobile body 70 may include a fuel tank and a drive unit including an engine or the like that operates by burning fuel.

[0039] The moving body 70 may be configured to move under the control of the information processing device 20, or may be configured to move autonomously.

[0040] The mobile object 70 may be configured to be chargeable by the vehicle 10. In other words, the vehicle 10 may be configured to be able to supply power to the mobile object 70. The vehicle 10 may be configured to supply power by contacting the mobile object 70, or may be configured to supply power without contacting the mobile object 70. The mobile object 70 may be configured to receive fuel from the vehicle 10. In other words, the vehicle 10 may function as a base for the mobile object 70. From the perspective of the mobile object 70, the vehicle 10 may function as a warehouse for parts or as a supply base.

[0041] (Example of operation of information processing system 1) An example of the operation of the information processing system 1 will be described below.

[0042] <Operation of 10 vehicles for facility tours> In the information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the vehicle 10 travels within a facility such as a factory, as shown in FIG. 4, and allows a user riding in the vehicle 10 to tour the facility.

[0043] The vehicle 10 carries the user and travels within a facility such as a factory according to instructions from the information processing device 20 (or a tour schedule stored in the memory unit 12 of the vehicle 10), moving to a location where the user can tour the production line. The location where the user can tour the production line is also referred to as a "tour spot" hereinafter. The tour spot may be provided as location information from the information processing device 20. The vehicle 10 can travel to the designated tour spot by autonomous driving (automated driving). The tour spot may include, for example, a process where a product is processed on a production line. In FIG. 4, the tour spot is where a robot arm 60 is performing processing or assembly work on a part 52 on a conveyor belt 50. An example of the operation of the vehicle 10 when traveling to allow the user to tour the production line will be described below.

[0044] The control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 may use the communication unit 23 to transmit location information of the sightseeing spots to the vehicle 10. The sightseeing spots may be determined, for example, based on a planned sightseeing course and a sightseeing schedule. The vehicle 10 may receive the location information of the sightseeing spots from the information processing device 20 via the communication unit 13. The vehicle 10 (control unit 11) may move to the sightseeing spots, for example, by autonomous driving, based on the location information of the sightseeing spots and information on the stored driving route (route map) within the facility.

[0045] The vehicle 10 may display information explaining the sightseeing spots on the display device, which is the output unit 16. In this way, the user is more likely to become interested in the sightseeing spots. The display device may be configured so that the magnification or direction of the displayed image can be freely changed by the user's operation. The display device may display VR (Virtual Reality) images or 3D images. The display device may be configured as a head-mounted display worn by each user. The vehicle 10 may output audio information explaining the sightseeing spots from the audio output device (speaker), which is the output unit 16. In this way, the user is more likely to become interested in the sightseeing spots.

[0046] The vehicle 10 may acquire information about sightseeing spots from the information processing device 20. The vehicle 10 may automatically acquire the information and provide it to the user, or may acquire the information based on a request from the user and provide it to the user.

[0047] After the vehicle 10 arrives at a sightseeing spot, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 transmits the location information of the next sightseeing spot to the vehicle 10 based on, for example, the sightseeing schedule. The vehicle 10 may stay at the sightseeing spot for a predetermined period of time and then move to the next sightseeing spot. The control unit 21 may transmit the time that the vehicle 10 will stay at each sightseeing spot to the vehicle 10.

[0048] As described above, the vehicle 10 allows the user to tour the facility by taking the user on a tour of sightseeing spots within the facility.

[0049] <Operation of vehicle 10 for transporting materials within the facility> The vehicle 10 can transport components used within a facility by loading them onto the vehicle and traveling. The vehicle 10 may transport components unloaded from a warehouse to various locations within the facility. The source of the components may be a warehouse to which a supplier delivers the components. The destination of the components may be, for example, each process on a production line.

[0050] The vehicle 10 may collect used components. For example, the vehicle 10 may transport new components and then load used components into the vacant space and transport them.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 5, the vehicle 10 may transport a part 52 as a material to be used within a facility. The vehicle 10 loads the part 52 and drives to a transfer spot 72 within the facility. At the transfer spot 72, the part 52 is unloaded from the vehicle 10 to a material storage area 74. The part 52 may be unloaded directly from the vehicle 10 to the material storage area 74. The part 52 may also be moved from the vehicle 10 to the material storage area 74 by a moving object 70.

[0052] The mobile body 70 may unload the members from the vehicle 10 and transport them to the destination. The mobile body 70 may load the members onto the vehicle 10 at the transport source. If the mobile body 70 is powered by a battery, it may receive power from the vehicle 10 to charge the battery. The mobile body 70 may charge the battery when loading or unloading members onto or from the vehicle 10. If the mobile body 70 is powered by fuel, it may refuel from the vehicle 10. The mobile body 70 may refuel when loading or unloading members onto or from the vehicle 10.

[0053] The vehicle 10 may travel based on the position of the moving body 70 so that the moving body 70 can transport the members efficiently. For example, the vehicle 10 may travel to a position where the distance that the moving body 70 must travel from the vehicle 10 to the destination is short. The vehicle 10 may travel to a position where the total travel distance of each of the multiple moving bodies 70 is short. The vehicle 10 may travel based on transportation requirements that change over time so that the moving body 70 can transport the members efficiently.

[0054] The mobile object 70 may load or unload components while the vehicle 10 is stopped. The mobile object 70 may charge the battery or refuel while the vehicle 10 is stopped. The mobile object 70 may load or unload components while the vehicle 10 is moving. The mobile object 70 may charge the battery or refuel while the vehicle 10 is moving.

[0055] <Operation management of 10 vehicles> The control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 manages the operation of the vehicle 10 within the facility. Specifically, the control unit 21 manages the operation of the vehicle 10 based on a facility tour request from a user and a request for transporting parts within the facility. The control unit 21 may acquire, as the user's tour request, information regarding the time the user requests to tour or information regarding the location the user requests to tour. The control unit 21 may acquire, as the transport request, information specifying the type or quantity of parts that are in short supply within the facility.

[0056] <<Traffic management that prioritizes transportation>> The control unit 21 acquires a transportation request for a component. The transportation request may include the type or quantity of a component that is in short supply within the facility. The transportation request may include the type or quantity of a component that is predicted to be in short supply within the facility. The transportation request may include the type or quantity of used components that are to be collected.

[0057] The control unit 21 may acquire a transportation request from a worker at each process in the facility. The transportation request from the worker may be a vocal utterance by the worker, a signal such as a gesture by the worker, or input by the worker into a terminal. The control unit 21 may estimate the required amount of components based on information acquired by a camera or sensor installed in the facility. The control unit 21 may itself generate a transportation request based on the result of estimating the required amount of components. When a component to be transported is to be collected after use, the control unit 21 may set a destination for the component and also set a source for the used component.

[0058] The control unit 21 may cooperate with a pallet that supplies components. The pallet may predict the timing when the components need to be supplied. The control unit 21 may acquire the predicted timing of when the pallet will supply the components as a transportation request.

[0059] The control unit 21 may generate a transportation schedule based on the transportation request. The transportation schedule may include information specifying the type or quantity of components to be transported by the vehicle 10. The transportation schedule may include information specifying the source from which the vehicle 10 will load the components or the destination from which the vehicle 10 will unload the components. The transportation schedule may include information specifying the time at which the vehicle 10 will load the components at the source or the time at which the vehicle 10 will unload the components at the destination.

[0060] The control unit 21 extracts vehicles 10 that have available space to accommodate a user from among the vehicles 10 that are traveling based on the transportation schedule. The control unit 21 may generate a tour schedule such that the user is allowed to ride in a vehicle 10 that is traveling on a transportation schedule that matches the user's tour request, from among the extracted vehicles 10. The control unit 21 may generate a tour schedule such that the user is allowed to ride in a vehicle 10 that is traveling through a location that the user requests to tour, from among the extracted vehicles 10. The control unit 21 may generate a tour schedule such that the user is allowed to ride in a vehicle 10 that is traveling during a time period that the user requests to tour, from among the extracted vehicles 10.

[0061] The control unit 21 may allocate the vehicle 10 for the user to ride in and manage the traveling of the vehicle 10 based on the tour schedule.

[0062] If there is no vehicle 10 that operates on a transportation schedule that matches the user's tour request, the control unit 21 may generate alternative tour locations or times to present to the user based on the transportation schedule of the vehicle 10.

[0063] <<Operation management that prioritizes tours>> The control unit 21 acquires a tour request from a user. The tour request may include the location or time for which the user requests the tour. The tour request may also include a request for the location where the user will board the vehicle 10 for the tour or the location where the user will disembark from the vehicle 10 after the tour.

[0064] The control unit 21 may generate a tour schedule based on a tour request from a user. The tour schedule may include information specifying the location or time at which the user requests a tour. The tour schedule may include information specifying the location at which the user will board or the location at which the user will disembark. The tour schedule may include information specifying the time at which the user will board or the time at which the user will disembark.

[0065] The control unit 21 extracts vehicles 10 that have available space to load components from among the vehicles 10 traveling based on the tour schedule. In other words, the control unit 21 extracts vehicles 10 that can transport components. The control unit 21 may generate a transportation schedule such that, of the extracted vehicles 10, vehicles 10 traveling on a tour schedule that meets the transportation request are loaded with components and transported. The control unit 21 may generate a transportation schedule such that, of the extracted vehicles 10, vehicles 10 traveling between the source and destination of the components are loaded with components and transported. The control unit 21 may generate a transportation schedule such that, of the extracted vehicles 10, vehicles 10 traveling during the time period in which the components are transported are loaded with components and transported.

[0066] The control unit 21 may allocate the vehicles 10 carrying the components based on the transportation schedule and manage the traveling of the vehicles 10.

[0067] If there is no vehicle 10 that runs on a tour schedule that matches the part transportation request, the control unit 21 may generate an alternative plan for transporting the part based on the tour schedule of the vehicle 10.

[0068] <<Operation management that takes into consideration both transportation and sightseeing>> The control unit 21 may generate an operation schedule for the vehicle 10 based on both a request for transporting components and a request for viewing from a user. The control unit 21 may determine the operation schedule for the vehicle 10 based on an earlier received request. The control unit 21 may allocate the operation schedule for the vehicle 10 based on a later received request by utilizing an available time in the earlier determined operation schedule or an available space within the vehicle 10.

[0069] <<Vehicle 10 allocation by use>> The multiple vehicles 10 included in the information processing system 1 may be assigned in advance to vehicles 10 that operate with priority given to requests for transporting parts or vehicles 10 that operate with priority given to requests for tours from users. In other words, the vehicles 10 may be assigned in advance by use. The control unit 21 may change the use of the vehicles 10 based on the frequency of requests for transporting parts or requests for tours from users. The control unit 21 may determine the number or proportion of vehicles 10 to be assigned by use based on a long-term outlook for requests for transporting parts or requests for tours from users.

[0070] The control unit 21 may manage the reserved times when the vehicle 10 is used for tours, and may extract free time when the tour schedule is not decided as an idle time slot for tours. The control unit 21 may allocate the vehicle 10 to transportation purposes during the idle time slot.

[0071] <Flowchart of an example of an operation procedure for managing the operation of the vehicle 10> The control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 according to this embodiment may execute an information processing method including, for example, the steps of the flowchart shown in Fig. 6 in order to manage the operation of the vehicle 10. The information processing method may be realized as an information processing program executed by the control unit 21. The information processing program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0072] An example of a procedure for managing the material transportation schedule with priority will be described below.

[0073] The control unit 21 acquires a transportation request for a component (step S1). The control unit 21 generates a transportation schedule based on the transportation request (step S2).

[0074] The control unit 21 acquires a tour request from the user (step S3). The control unit 21 determines whether there is a vehicle 10 that the user can board in accordance with the tour request among the vehicles 10 traveling based on the transportation schedule (step S4). If there is no vehicle 10 that the user can board (step S4: NO), the control unit 21 adjusts the tour request by presenting an alternative to the user (step S5).

[0075] If there is a vehicle 10 available for the user to board (step S4: YES) or after executing the adjustment procedure of step S5, the control unit 21 generates a tour schedule and assigns a vehicle 10 for the user to board (step S6). The control unit 21 manages the traveling of the vehicle 10 based on the transportation schedule and the tour schedule (step S7). After executing the procedure of step S7, the control unit 21 ends the execution of the procedure of the flowchart in FIG. 6.

[0076] An information processing method or information processing program for the case where priority is given to the component transportation schedule is realized according to the procedure example of the flowchart in Fig. 6. However, without being limited to this, an information processing method or information processing program including a procedure for operation management when priority is given to the tour schedule, or a procedure for operation management when both transportation and tours are taken into consideration, can be realized.

[0077] <Summary> As described above, according to the information processing system 1, the vehicle 10, the information processing device 20, the information processing method, and the information processing program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the vehicle 10 Users touring the facility can be accommodated in the vehicle 10 while transporting components. Furthermore, the transportation schedule and the tour schedule can be adjusted. In this way, the operation efficiency of the vehicle 10 can be improved. Furthermore, the vehicle 10 can be effectively utilized during periods when there are no tours. Furthermore, the vacant space in the vehicle 10 can be effectively utilized. As a result, the system for allowing visitors to a facility such as a factory to board the vehicle 10 and tour the facility can be improved.

[0078] Furthermore, parts can be supplied just in time within the facility, which can improve the efficiency of the production line within the facility.

[0079] (Other embodiments) Other embodiments are described below.

[0080] <Consistency between the location for the tour and the location for transportation> In the information processing system 1 according to one embodiment, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 may set the location where a user touring a facility gets into the vehicle 10 or the location where the user dismounts from the vehicle 10 to be near the origin or destination of the component. The control unit 21 may set the origin or destination of the component to be near the location where the user gets into the vehicle 10 or the location where the user dismounts from the vehicle 10. The control unit 21 may match the location where the user gets into the vehicle 10 or the location where the user dismounts from the vehicle 10 with the origin or destination of the component. The control unit 21 may set the origin or destination of the component to be near a sightseeing spot. The control unit 21 may set the sightseeing spot to be near the origin or destination of the component. The control unit 21 may match the sightseeing spot with the origin or destination of the component. The control unit 21 may set the component transportation work as a sightseeing spot.

[0081] As described above, the control unit 21 may match locations related to tours with locations related to transportation. By setting the user's boarding or disembarking location, or the origin or destination of the parts, in this manner, the control unit 21 can easily generate a tour schedule that matches a user's tour request when transportation is prioritized. Furthermore, the control unit 21 can easily generate a transportation schedule that matches a transportation request when tours are prioritized. Furthermore, the control unit 21 can easily generate a transportation schedule and a tour schedule that matches both a transportation request and a tour request from the user when both transportation and tours are taken into consideration. As a result, the system that allows visitors to a facility such as a factory to board the vehicle 10 and tour the facility can be improved.

[0082] <Inspection inside vehicle 10> The vehicle 10 may be configured to inspect the components within the vehicle cabin when receiving the components to be transported. Specifically, the vehicle 10 may be equipped with an inspection device that inspects the components. The inspection device may inspect the components while the vehicle 10 is traveling. The vehicle 10 may further be equipped with a distribution device that separates components that pass inspection from components that fail inspection within the vehicle cabin. The vehicle 10 may further be equipped with a restriction device that displays or locks components that fail inspection to prevent them from being unloaded at the destination. The inspection device may function as the distribution device or the restriction device. The vehicle 10 may output the inspection results to the information processing device 20. The control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 may arrange for the transportation of additional components based on the number of failed components.

[0083] Although the present disclosure has been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art may make various modifications and alterations based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and alterations are included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions included in each component or step can be rearranged so as not to be logically inconsistent, and multiple components or steps can be combined or divided into one.

[0084] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration and operation of the information processing device 20 may be distributed among multiple computers that can communicate with each other. Also, for example, an embodiment in which some of the functions of the information processing device 20 are provided in the vehicle 10 or the mobile object 70 may be possible.

[0085] Also, for example, an embodiment is possible in which a general-purpose computer functions as the information processing device 20 according to the above-described embodiment. Specifically, a program describing the processing content for realizing each function of the information processing device 20 according to the above-described embodiment is stored in the memory of the general-purpose computer, and the program is read and executed by a processor. Therefore, the present disclosure can also be realized as a program executable by a processor, or a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing the program.

[0086] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below as examples. However, it should be noted that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to these examples. [Appendix 1] A control unit is provided to manage the operation of vehicles traveling within the facility, The control unit generating a transportation schedule for transporting components used in the facility by the vehicle and a tour schedule for getting users who will tour the facility into the vehicle; driving the vehicle based on the transportation schedule and the tour schedule; Information processing device. [Appendix 2] The information processing device described in [Appendix 1], wherein the control unit extracts vehicles that the user can ride in based on the transportation schedule and generates the tour schedule. [Appendix 3] The information processing device described in [Appendix 1], wherein the control unit extracts vehicles that can transport the components based on the tour schedule and generates the transportation schedule. [Appendix 4] The control unit extracts free time when no tour schedule using the vehicle has been decided as an idle tour time period, and allocates the vehicle to transportation purposes during the idle time period. [Appendix 3] An information processing device as described in. [Appendix 5] The information processing device described in any one of [Appendix 1] to [Appendix 4], wherein the control unit causes the vehicle to travel based on the position of a moving body that transports the member from the vehicle to a destination. [Appendix 6] The information processing device according to [Appendix 5], wherein the control unit causes the vehicle to travel so as to shorten the travel distance of the moving body. [Appendix 7] The information processing device according to [Supplementary Note 5] or [Supplementary Note 6], wherein the control unit causes the vehicle to travel so as to reduce the total distance traveled by each of the plurality of moving bodies. [Appendix 8] The information processing device described in any one of [Appendix 1] to [Appendix 7], wherein the control unit sets the destination of the component to a source that collects and transports used components. [Appendix 9] The control unit generates the transportation schedule based on a prediction result of the timing when the parts need to be supplied, obtained from the pallet that supplies the parts. [Appendix 10] An information processing system comprising: an information processing device according to any one of [Supplementary Note 1] to [Supplementary Note 9]; and a vehicle whose operation is managed by the information processing device. [Appendix 11] The information processing system described in [Appendix 10] further comprises a mobile body that transports the components from the vehicle to a destination. [Appendix 12] An information processing method for managing the operation of vehicles traveling within a facility, comprising: generating a transportation schedule for transporting components used in the facility by the vehicle and a tour schedule for having users who will tour the facility board the vehicle; driving the vehicle based on the transportation schedule and the tour schedule; An information processing method, including: [Appendix 13] The information processing method described in [Appendix 12] further includes driving the vehicle based on the position of a moving body that transports the component from the vehicle to a destination. [Appendix 14] extracting a free time when a tour schedule using the vehicle has not been decided as an idle tour time period; Allocating the vehicle to transportation use during the idle time period; The information processing method according to [Appendix 12] or [Appendix 13], further comprising: [Appendix 15] A vehicle traveling within a facility, A vehicle having a cabin configured to be able to carry both components used in the facility and users touring the facility. [Appendix 16] A vehicle as described in [Appendix 15], wherein a mobile body that transports the component to a destination is configured to unload the component from the vehicle compartment or load the component into the vehicle compartment while the vehicle is moving or stopped. [Appendix 17] The vehicle described in [Appendix 16] is configured to be able to charge the battery of the moving body. [Appendix 18] A vehicle described in any one of [Appendix 15] to [Appendix 17], wherein an inspection device for inspecting the component is installed in the passenger compartment. [Appendix 19] The vehicle described in [Appendix 18] further comprises a distribution device that separates components that pass the inspection from components that fail the inspection within the vehicle compartment. [Appendix 20] A vehicle as described in [Appendix 18] or [Appendix 19], further comprising a restriction device that displays or locks components that fail inspection so that they cannot be unloaded at their destination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1. Information Processing Systems 10 vehicle (11: control unit, 12: memory unit, 13: communication unit, 14: positioning unit, 15: input unit, 16: output unit) 20 information processing device (21: control unit, 22: storage unit, 23: communication unit) 30 Network 50 conveyor belt 52 parts 60 Robot Arm 70 Mobile 72 Transport Spot 74 Materials storage area

Claims

1. A control unit is provided to manage the operation of vehicles traveling within the facility, The control unit generating a transportation schedule for transporting components used in the facility by the vehicle based on a prediction result of a timing when the components need to be supplied, which is acquired from a pallet that supplies the components, and generating a tour schedule for getting users who will tour the facility into the vehicle; an information processing device that causes the vehicle to run based on the transportation schedule and the tour schedule;

2. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit extracts vehicles that the user can ride in based on the transportation schedule, and generates the tour schedule.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit extracts vehicles capable of transporting the components based on the tour schedule and generates the transportation schedule.

4. The information processing device according to claim 3 , wherein the control unit extracts a free time when no tour schedule using the vehicle has been decided as an idle tour time period, and allocates the vehicle to a transportation use during the idle time period.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit causes the vehicle to travel based on a position of a moving object that transports the member from the vehicle to a destination.

6. The information processing device according to claim 5 , wherein the control unit causes the vehicle to travel so as to shorten a travel distance of the moving object.

7. The information processing device according to claim 5 , wherein the control unit causes the vehicle to travel so as to reduce a total distance traveled by each of the plurality of moving bodies.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit sets the destination of the component to a source that collects and transports used components.

9. An information processing system comprising: the information processing device according to claim 1; and a vehicle whose operation is managed by the information processing device.

10. The information processing system according to claim 9 , further comprising a mobile object that transports the member from the vehicle to a destination.

11. An information processing method for managing the operation of vehicles traveling within a facility, comprising: generating a transportation schedule for transporting components used in the facility by the vehicle based on a prediction result of a timing when the components need to be supplied, which is acquired from a pallet that supplies the components, and generating a tour schedule for having users who will tour the facility board the vehicle; driving the vehicle based on the transportation schedule and the tour schedule; An information processing method, including:

12. The information processing method according to claim 11 , further comprising: causing the vehicle to travel based on a position of a moving object that transports the member from the vehicle to a destination.

13. extracting a free time when a tour schedule using the vehicle has not been decided as an idle tour time period; Allocating the vehicle to transportation use during the idle time period; The information processing method according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising:

14. A vehicle traveling within a facility, a vehicle compartment configured to be able to carry both components used in the facility and users touring the facility; a mobile body that transports the member to a destination is configured to unload the member from the vehicle compartment or load the member into the vehicle compartment while the vehicle is running or stopped; A vehicle configured to be able to charge a battery of the mobile body.

15. A vehicle traveling within a facility, a vehicle compartment configured to be able to carry both components used in the facility and users touring the facility; an inspection device for inspecting the member is provided in the vehicle compartment; The vehicle further comprises a restriction device that displays or locks components that fail inspection so that they cannot be unloaded at the destination.

16. 16. The vehicle of claim 15, further comprising a distribution device for separating components that pass inspection from components that fail inspection within the passenger compartment.

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