Vehicle control device and vehicle control method

Abstract

This vehicle control device acquires an attribute of a user (70) and an attribute of baggage (80), determines whether the user (70) and the baggage (80) are on a vehicle (40), and, upon determining that the user (70) and the baggage (80) are on the vehicle (40), performs air-conditioning control according to the attributes of the user (70) and the baggage (80).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle control device and a vehicle control method. [Background technology]

[0002] There has been known an invention that controls in-vehicle equipment depending on the type of luggage carried by a user (Patent Document 1). The invention described in Patent Document 1 controls the air conditioning system to lower the temperature inside the vehicle cabin when it is determined that the luggage is sensitive to high temperatures. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-157943 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in mixed passenger and freight transport where users and luggage are transported and operated together, it is necessary to control the air conditioning taking into account the attributes of both the users and the luggage, but the invention described in Patent Document 1 does not take into account the attributes of both the users and the luggage.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a vehicle control device and a vehicle control method that are capable of controlling air conditioning while taking into account the attributes of both the user and the luggage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A vehicle control device according to one aspect of the present invention acquires user attributes and luggage attributes, determines whether the user and luggage are in the vehicle, and if it is determined that the user and luggage are in the vehicle, performs air conditioning control according to the attributes of the user and luggage. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to control air conditioning in consideration of the attributes of both the user and the luggage. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a management server, a communication device, a communication device, and a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating user attributes and package attributes. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a sequence chart illustrating an example of the operation of the system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a sequence chart illustrating an example of the operation of the system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the vehicle control device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an air conditioning control method. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of an air conditioning control method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0010] An example of the configuration of a system 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. As shown in Figure 1, the system 10 includes a management server 20, a communication network 30, vehicles 40 to 42, a user 70, a communication device 60 carried by the user 70, a baggage business operator 71, a communication device 61 carried by the baggage business operator 71, and baggage 80 handled by the baggage business operator 71. Note that although there are three vehicles in Figure 1, this is not limiting. The system 10 may include four or more vehicles.

[0011] In this embodiment, a user 70 and luggage 80 ride in the same vehicle. This type of transport is called "mixed cargo and passenger transport." Specifically, "mixed cargo and passenger transport" is defined as "a form in which cargo and passengers are transported and operated together." "Cargo" is defined as "items carried by a means of transport." "Transportation" includes trains, buses, taxis, airplanes, ships, etc., but in this embodiment, "transportation" is described as a vehicle. "Items" primarily refer to baggage and small parcels, and are limited to those that can be loaded into a vehicle. "Items" include animals (pets), plants, food, miscellaneous goods, etc. "Food" includes food that needs to be refrigerated (refrigerated food) and food that needs to be frozen (frozen food). In "mixed cargo and passenger transport," the space where passengers stay and the space where cargo is loaded are usually clearly separated. In this embodiment, the transportation is a vehicle, and the seats where passengers sit are clearly separated from the seats where cargo is loaded. Hereinafter, "items" will be referred to as "baggage" and "passengers" will be referred to as "users." "Parcel businesses" include employees of pet shops, florists, bento shops, online supermarkets, etc. An online supermarket is a service that accepts orders via the Internet and delivers goods directly to your home. In English-speaking countries, online supermarkets are also called online supermarkets or online groceries. "Parcels" in this embodiment include pets, flowers, bento boxes, and groceries (including refrigerated foods).

[0012] The management server 20 communicates with the vehicles 40-42 and the communication devices 60-61 via the communication network 30. The management server 20 is a general-purpose computer (controller) including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, a memory 22, a communication I / F 23, and a storage device 24, and these components are electrically connected via a bus (not shown). The management server 20 is used for the dispatch service of the vehicles 40-42. There are no particular limitations on the installation location of the management server 20, but for example, the management server 20 is installed in the management center of the business operator that operates the vehicles 40-42.

[0013] The CPU 21 loads various programs stored in the storage device 24 or the like into the memory 22 and executes various commands included in the programs. The memory 22 is a storage medium such as a read-only memory (ROM) or a random access memory (RAM). The storage device 24 is a storage medium such as a solid-state drive (SSD) or a hard disk drive (HDD). Note that part (or all) of the system 10, including the functions of the management server 20 described below, may be provided by an application (such as Software as a Service (SaaS)) located on the communication network 30.

[0014] The communication I / F 23 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, various communication software, or a combination thereof, and is configured to realize wired or wireless communication via the communication network 30. The communication I / F 23 also functions as an input unit and an output unit for transmitting and receiving data.

[0015] The communication network 30 is described as the Internet, but is not limited to this and other wireless communication methods may be adopted. The management server 20, the vehicles 40 to 42, and the communication devices 60 to 61 are connected to the communication network 30 via the Internet.

[0016] An example of the vehicles 40-42 is a taxi. The vehicles 40-42 may be normal vehicles with a driver, or may be autonomous vehicles without a driver. An autonomous vehicle without a driver may be referred to as a robot taxi or an unmanned taxi. In this embodiment, the vehicles 40-42 will be described as autonomous vehicles without a driver. Furthermore, the vehicles 40-42 are vehicles for "mixed cargo and passenger transport" as described above.

[0017] A user 70 requests a vehicle using a communication device 60. Similarly, a baggage business operator 71 requests a vehicle using a communication device 61. A vehicle dispatch application (hereinafter simply referred to as a vehicle dispatch app) used to reserve a vehicle is installed in the communication devices 60-61, and the user 70 and the baggage business operator 71 request a vehicle using the vehicle dispatch app.

[0018] Next, the detailed configurations of the management server 20, the vehicle 40, and the communication devices 60 to 61 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Although the vehicles 41 to 42 are omitted in Fig. 2, the vehicles 41 to 42 have the same configuration as the vehicle 40.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, the communication device 60 includes a communication I / F 60a, a vehicle dispatching application 60b, and a GPS receiver 60c. Similarly, the communication device 61 includes a communication I / F 61a, a vehicle dispatching application 61b, and a GPS receiver 61c. The communication I / F 60a and the communication I / F 61a have the same configuration as the communication I / F 23, and communicate with the management server 20 via the communication network 30. The communication devices 60 to 61 are, for example, portable terminals such as smartphones and tablets. The communication devices 60 to 61 may also be wearable devices. Although not shown, the communication devices 60 to 61 also include a CPU, memory, storage device, etc., similar to the management server 20.

[0020] As described above, the ride-hailing app 60b is used to request a vehicle. The ride-hailing app 60b functions as a user interface when the user 70 requests a vehicle. The ride-hailing app 60b is realized by a CPU provided in the communication device 60 reading and executing a dedicated application program from a storage device provided in the communication device 60. When using the ride-hailing app 60b, i.e., when requesting a vehicle, the user 70 registers his / her information in advance by inputting it into the ride-hailing app 60b. Such pre-registration is a well-known technique and is adopted in many applications. By performing pre-registration, unique identification information (also expressed as a user ID, account ID, etc.) is assigned to the user 70, enabling the user 70 to request a vehicle using the ride-hailing app 60b. Examples of the information to be input in advance include the user's 70's name, nickname, gender, address, telephone number, email address, payment method, attributes, etc.

[0021] Here, the "attributes" registered in advance will be described with reference to FIG. 3. In this embodiment, the "attributes of the user 70" refer to information related to the user 70's allergies and information related to the user's preferences for the air inside the vehicle. There are many types of allergies. For example, allergies include allergies caused by pets (such as dust mites and mold) and allergies caused by plants (such as pollen). The user 70 pre-registers information related to the allergies as an attribute. In this embodiment, the "preferences for the air inside the vehicle" refer to the user's 70 preferences for the odor and temperature inside the vehicle. If the user dislikes odorous items, this information is pre-registered as "information related to preferences." The temperature at which the user feels comfortable in the vehicle varies from user to user. The user 70 pre-registers the temperature at which the user feels comfortable as "information related to preferences." Note that the "temperature at which the user feels comfortable" may change depending on the season, etc. Therefore, the system may require the user 70 to input the temperature for each season.

[0022] The luggage business operator 71 also registers in advance the attributes of the luggage 80 that it handles. "Attributes of luggage 80" include information about allergies to the luggage 80, information about the odor of the luggage 80, and information about the temperature of the luggage 80. If the luggage 80 is a pet, plant, or the like, the luggage business operator 71 registers that the luggage 80 has an allergy to dust mites, mold, pollen, or the like. If the luggage 80 is a boxed lunch that gives off an odor, the luggage business operator 71 registers that the luggage 80 gives off an odor. If the luggage 80 is refrigerated food, it registers that it needs to be kept at a temperature of 10 degrees or below.

[0023] In this embodiment, the air conditioning in the vehicle is controlled according to the "attributes of the user 70" and the "attributes of the luggage 80." As shown in FIG. 3, when information about allergies is registered as an attribute of the user 70 and when information about allergies is registered as an attribute of the luggage 80, air conditioning control is performed. Furthermore, when information about odors is registered as an attribute of the user 70 and when information about odors is registered as an attribute of the luggage 80, air conditioning control is performed. Furthermore, when information about temperature is registered as an attribute of the user 70 and when information about temperature is registered as an attribute of the luggage 80, air conditioning control is performed. As shown in FIG. 3, air conditioning control is not performed for combinations other than these. Some users do not have allergies, some do not care about odors, and some do not mind any temperature. Such users do not need to register attributes. For users who have not registered attributes ("No attribute" in FIG. 3), air conditioning control is not performed regardless of the attributes of the luggage. Furthermore, some luggage does not cause allergies, some does not emit odors, and some does not require temperature control. The luggage business operator 71 does not need to register the attributes of such luggage. For packages with no registered attributes ("No attribute" in Figure 3), air conditioning control will not be performed regardless of the user's attributes. However, air conditioning control according to attributes will not be performed. Normal air conditioning control will be performed. "Normal air conditioning control" refers to air conditioning control that is preset according to the outside temperature, etc.

[0024] After completing the advance registration, the user 70 inputs the desired boarding location, desired boarding time, desired destination (drop-off location), desired arrival time, desired seat, etc. into the ride-dispatch app 60b and requests a vehicle. The user 70 selects the desired seat, for example, from available seats (unreserved seats). Seat selection is optional. If the user 70 does not select a seat, a seat is automatically selected on the management server 20 side. The ride-dispatch app 60b transmits a ride-dispatch request to the management server 20 according to the input from the user 70. Furthermore, the communication device 60 displays various information (such as receipt of the ride-dispatch request, estimated arrival time, and planned driving route) contained in a signal returned from the management server 20 in response to the ride-dispatch request on a display. However, the method for realizing the ride-dispatch app 60b is not limited to this. For example, the communication device 60 may access a server that provides the functions of the ride-dispatch app 60b to receive the provided functions, and display the execution results of the functions transmitted from the server on a browser. Similarly, after completing the advance registration, the baggage business operator 71 inputs the desired boarding location, desired boarding time, desired destination (drop-off location), desired arrival time, desired seat, etc. into the vehicle dispatch application 61b and requests a vehicle.

[0025] The position information of the communication device 60 acquired by the GPS receiver 60c is transmitted at any timing to the management server 20. Similarly, the position information of the communication device 61 acquired by the GPS receiver 61c is transmitted at any timing to the management server 20.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2 , the vehicle 40 includes a communication I / F 401, a vehicle ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 402, a camera 403, a seating sensor 404, an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system 405, and a GPS receiver 406. The communication I / F 401 has a configuration similar to that of the communication I / F 23 and communicates with the management server 20 via the communication network 30. The vehicle ECU 402 is a computer for controlling the vehicle 40. The vehicle ECU 402 controls various actuators (such as a brake actuator, an accelerator actuator, and a steering actuator) based on commands received from the management server 20. The camera 403 is installed in the interior of the vehicle 40. The camera 403 detects the seating position of the user 70 (the position of the seat where the user 70 is sitting). The camera 403 also detects the position of the seat on which luggage 80 is placed. These positions may be detected by the seating sensor 404 instead of the camera 403. The HVAC system 405 controls the temperature, humidity, and air flow inside the vehicle 40, and includes a cooling device, a heating device, a fan, etc. The location information of the vehicle 40 acquired by the GPS receiver 406 is transmitted to the management server 20 at any timing.

[0027] 2, the CPU 21 of the management server 20 includes, as examples of multiple functions, a vehicle dispatch reception unit 211, an allocation unit 212, a driving route calculation unit 213, and an air conditioning control method generation unit 214. The storage device 24 of the management server 20 stores a map database 241 and a customer database 242.

[0028] The map database 241 stores map information necessary for route guidance, such as road information and facility information. The map information includes the number of lanes on a road, road width information, and road undulation information. The map information also includes road signs indicating speed limits, one-way streets, etc., and road markings indicating crosswalks, dividing lines, etc. The map information stored in the map database 241 may be high-definition map data (HD MAP) or normal map data (SD MAP).

[0029] The customer database 242 stores information (such as names and attributes) of users 70 and cargo businesses 71, vehicle usage histories, and the like.

[0030] The vehicle dispatch reception unit 211 receives a vehicle dispatch request from the user 70 input to the communication device 60 (vehicle dispatch application 60b). The vehicle dispatch reception unit 211 also receives a vehicle dispatch request from the baggage business operator 71 input to the communication device 61 (vehicle dispatch application 61b). The vehicle dispatch reception unit 211 has a function of notifying the communication device 60 that the vehicle dispatch request from the user 70 has been received, the estimated time of arrival at the boarding location, the planned driving route to the destination, etc. Similarly, the vehicle dispatch reception unit 211 has a function of notifying the communication device 61 that the vehicle dispatch request from the baggage business operator 71 has been received, the estimated time of arrival at the boarding location, the planned driving route to the destination, etc.

[0031] The dispatch reception unit 211 acquires location information of the user 70 from the communication device 60, acquires location information of the baggage business operator 71 from the communication device 61, and acquires location information of the vehicle 40 from the vehicle 40. "Location information of the user 70" means location information of the communication device 60 possessed by the user 70. "Location information of the baggage business operator 71" means location information of the communication device 61 possessed by the baggage business operator 71. The dispatch reception unit 211 outputs the acquired location information to the allocation unit 212 and the driving route calculation unit 213.

[0032] The allocation unit 212 allocates an appropriate vehicle from among the plurality of vehicles 40 to 42 based on the received vehicle dispatch request. For example, for efficiency, the allocation unit 212 can allocate a vehicle from among the plurality of vehicles 40 to 42 that is closest to the boarding location desired by the user 70 or the baggage business operator 71. In this embodiment, the description will be given assuming that the vehicle 40 is allocated.

[0033] The driving route calculation unit 213 calculates a driving route from the current location of the vehicle 40 to the destination via the boarding location by referring to the location information acquired from the dispatch reception unit 211 and the map database 241. In this embodiment, in order to improve the efficiency of operation of the vehicle 40, it is assumed that the user 70 and the baggage 80 will ride together. Regarding ride-sharing, the user 70 and the baggage business operator 71 may be asked whether or not to allow ride-sharing, but the following description assumes that ride-sharing is permitted. The order does not matter, whether the user 70 or the baggage 80 rides first. If the destinations of the user 70 and the baggage 80 are in the same direction, efficient operation of the vehicle 40 is realized, but the destinations do not have to be in the same direction in application of the present invention.

[0034] The air conditioning control method generation unit 214 references the customer database 242 to acquire the attributes of the user 70 and the luggage 80. The air conditioning control method generation unit 214 generates an air conditioning control method according to the attributes of the user 70 and the luggage 80. The air conditioning control method generation unit 214 transmits the generated air conditioning control method to the HVAC system 405.

[0035] Next, an example of the operation of the system 10 will be described with reference to the sequence charts of FIGS. 4 and 5. In step S101, the user 70 requests a vehicle using the communication device 60. A request signal is transmitted from the communication device 60 to the management server 20. In step S103, the baggage business operator 71 requests a vehicle using the communication device 61. A request signal is transmitted from the communication device 61 to the management server 20. In step S105, the management server 20 allocates a vehicle and calculates a driving route based on the received request. The process proceeds to step S107, where the management server 20 refers to the customer database 242 to acquire attributes of the user 70 and the baggage 80. The process proceeds to step S109, where the management server 20 generates an air-conditioning control method according to the attributes of the user 70 and the baggage 80. The management server 20 transmits a vehicle allocation plan including the driving route and the like, and an air-conditioning control method to the vehicle 40.

[0036] In step S111, the vehicle 40 acquires a dispatch plan and an air-conditioning control method from the management server 20. The process proceeds to step S113, where the vehicle ECU 402 controls various actuators to drive the vehicle 40 along the travel route. The vehicle 40 heads toward the desired boarding location of the user 70 and picks up the user 70. The vehicle 40 also heads toward the desired loading location of the luggage 80 and loads the luggage 80. The process proceeds to step S115, where the camera 403 or the seating sensor 404 detects the position of the seat where the user 70 is sitting and the position of the seat where the luggage 80 is placed. The process proceeds to step S117, where the HVAC system 405 controls the air-conditioning using the air-conditioning control method acquired from the management server 20. The process proceeds to step S119, where the luggage 80 is unloaded at the desired unloading location, and the air-conditioning control ends. Details of the processes in steps S107, S109, S115, and S117 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8.

[0037] First, the details of step S107 will be described. In step S201 of FIG. 6, when the management server 20 acquires the attributes of the user 70 and the luggage 80, it first acquires the attributes of the luggage 80. In other words, the order of attribute acquisition is that of the luggage 80 first, followed by that of the user 70. The management server 20 determines whether or not the attributes of the luggage 80 are likely to affect the user 70. As described in FIG. 3, if the attributes of the luggage 80 include any of allergy, odor, and temperature, the management server 20 determines that the attributes of the luggage 80 are likely to affect the user 70 (YES in step S203). Note that if the result in step S203 is NO, that is, if there are no attributes of the luggage 80 (the attributes of the luggage 80 are not registered), normal air conditioning control is performed (step S205).

[0038] In step S207, the management server 20 acquires the attributes of the user 70. The process proceeds to step S209, where the management server 20 determines whether the attributes of the user 70 and the attributes of the luggage 80 match. "The attributes match" refers to a case where pollen allergy is registered as an attribute of the user 70 and a plant that scatters pollen is registered as an attribute of the luggage 80. Alternatively, "the attributes match" refers to a case where a dislike of odors is registered as an attribute of the user 70 and a lunch box that emits an odor is registered as an attribute of the luggage 80. Alternatively, "the attributes match" refers to a case where room temperature is registered as an attribute of the user 70 and food that requires refrigeration is registered as an attribute of the luggage 80. Alternatively, "the attributes match" may be defined as a case where keywords related to the attributes of the user 70 and the luggage 80 match. Alternatively, "the attributes match" may be defined as a case where properties, characteristics, properties, etc. related to the attributes of the user 70 and the luggage 80 match. If the attributes of the user 70 and the attributes of the luggage 80 match (YES in step S209), the process proceeds to step S211, and the management server 20 performs air conditioning control according to the attributes of the user 70 and the luggage 80. The match determination is performed in the process of step S107 (FIG. 4).

[0039] Next, step S115 will be described in detail. Fig. 7 shows the interior of the vehicle 40. Reference numerals 90 and 91 are air conditioners that represent the HVAC system 405, which includes a cooling device, a heating device, a fan, etc. Reference numeral 92 indicates an exhaust port. Reference numerals 93 to 96 indicate seats. As shown in Fig. 7, it is assumed that the user 70 is seated in seat 96 and the luggage 80 is placed in seat 94. In this case, the camera 403 or the seating sensor 404 detects the position of the seat where the user 70 is sitting and the position of the seat where the luggage 80 is placed.

[0040] Next, steps S109 and S117 will be described in detail. The air-conditioning control method generation unit 214 generates an air-conditioning control method based on the seat position detected by the camera 403 or the seating sensor 404. In FIG. 7, it is assumed that pollen allergy is registered as an attribute of the user 70 and that a plant that scatters pollen is registered as an attribute of the luggage 80. In this case, the attribute of the user 70 matches the attribute of the luggage 80. The air-conditioning control method generation unit 214 generates an air-conditioning control method so as to reduce the impact of the luggage 80 on the user 70. As an example of the air-conditioning control method, there is a method of blowing air from fans 90-91 toward an exhaust vent 92 as shown in FIG. 7. This makes it possible to reduce the impact of allergens in the luggage 80 (plants) on the user 70. As another example, it is assumed that an aversion to odors is registered as an attribute of the user 70 and that a boxed lunch that emits an odor is registered as an attribute of the luggage 80. In this case, there is also a method of blowing air from fans 90-91 toward an exhaust vent 92 as shown in FIG. This can reduce the effect of the odor of the luggage 80 (boxed lunch) on the user 70. Note that air may be blown from the fans 90-91 towards the user 70. This allows air around the user 70 to constantly flow, reducing the effect of allergens or odors. Also, air may be blown so that the user 70 is on the upstream side and the luggage 80 is on the downstream side of the air flow. Note that reducing the effect on the user 70 also includes the case where the user 70 is not affected.

[0041] As another example, assume that the indoor temperature is registered as an attribute of the user 70, and that food requiring refrigeration is registered as an attribute of the luggage 80. An example of an air conditioning control method in this case is the air curtain shown in FIG. 8. In FIG. 8, reference numeral 100 denotes an air curtain generator (a type of HVAC system 405), and reference numeral 101 denotes an air curtain. An "air curtain" generates a film of fast airflow to block air movement. Note that "blocking" is used to mean not only completely blocking air movement but also suppressing air movement. The "air curtain" is intended to block air conditioning and prevent odors from entering, allowing space to be used without installing walls or partitions. In this embodiment, the air curtain 101 generates a film of airflow from the ceiling to the floor. As shown in FIG. 8, the air curtain 101 separates the interior of the vehicle 40 into areas 102 and 103. Area 102 is cooled to 10 degrees or below by an air conditioner. This keeps the luggage 80 (refrigerated food) at an appropriate temperature. The air curtain 101 prevents the cold air circulating in the area 102 from flowing into the area 103. This allows the user 70 to reduce the effects of the cold air. This allows even users who do not like cold air to board the vehicle 40 together with the refrigerated food. The temperature in the area 103 can also be adjusted to the user 70's desired temperature. For example, if the user 70's desired temperature is 23 degrees, the HVAC system 405 can be controlled to keep the temperature in the area 103 at 23 degrees. Even if the temperature in the area 103 is set to 23 degrees, the air curtain 101 prevents the temperature in the area 102 from being affected and keeps it at 10 degrees or less. The air curtain 101 can also be applied to the allergies and odors mentioned above. Instead of the air curtain 101, a physical barrier such as a shutter or partition may be installed to block the movement of air.

[0042] (Action and effect) As described above, the present embodiment provides the following advantageous effects.

[0043] The management server 20 (controller) acquires the attributes of the user 70 and the attributes of the luggage 80. The attributes are acquired by referencing the customer database 242. The management server 20 determines whether the user 70 and the luggage 80 are in the vehicle. This determination is made based on data detected by the camera 403 or the seating sensor 404. If the management server 20 determines that the user 70 and the luggage 80 are in the vehicle, it performs air conditioning control according to the attributes of the user 70 and the luggage 80. This makes it possible to perform air conditioning control taking into account the attributes of both the user 70 and the luggage 80.

[0044] The attributes of the user 70 include information about a specific allergy or information indicating a preference for the air inside the vehicle. "Information indicating a preference for the air inside the vehicle" is information indicating the user 70's preferences for odors and temperature inside the vehicle. The attributes of the luggage 80 include information about a specific allergy, information about odors, or information indicating the need for temperature control.

[0045] The air conditioning control includes at least one of controlling the airflow to reduce the impact of the luggage 80 on the user 70, blocking the space between the luggage 80 and the user 70 with an airflow, and blocking the space between the luggage 80 and the user 70 with a physical device. The management server 20 selects one of three air conditioning controls according to the attributes of the user 70 and the luggage 80 and performs the air conditioning control. This prevents the user 70 from being affected by the luggage 80, and a comfortable in-vehicle space can be provided to the user 70.

[0046] Each function described in the above embodiments may be implemented by one or more processing circuits. A processing circuit includes a programmed processing device, such as a processor including electrical circuitry. A processing circuit also includes devices, such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or circuit components, arranged to perform the described functions.

[0047] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the descriptions and drawings that form part of this disclosure should not be understood to limit the present invention. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and operating techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

[0048] Although the management server 20 has been described as a vehicle control device, the vehicle control device is not limited to the management server 20. The configuration and functions of the management server 20 may be mounted on the vehicle 40. In this case, a controller mounted on the vehicle 40 functions as a vehicle control device. The attributes of the luggage 80 do not necessarily need to be registered in advance. The luggage business operator 71 may input the attributes of the luggage 80 when reserving a vehicle. In addition, a sensor for detecting odors may be provided on the vehicle 40, and the sensor may be used to detect whether the luggage 80 emits an odor when loading it. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 20 Management server, 211 Vehicle dispatch reception unit, 212 Allocation unit, 213 Travel route calculation unit, 214 Air conditioning control method generation unit

Claims

1. A vehicle control device used in a vehicle that simultaneously transports a user and luggage, Equipped with a controller, The controller Acquire attributes of the user and attributes of the package; determining whether the user and the luggage are in the vehicle; If it is determined that the user and the luggage are in the vehicle, it is determined whether or not an attribute of the user matches an attribute of the luggage; If the user attribute and the package attribute match, Air conditioning control is performed according to the attributes of the user and the luggage. A vehicle control device characterized by:

2. The user attributes include information about a predetermined allergy or information indicating a preference for the air inside the vehicle; The package attributes may include information about certain allergies, odor information, or information indicating the need for temperature control.

2. The vehicle control device according to claim 1.

3. The air conditioning control includes at least one of: (a) controlling airflow to reduce the impact of the luggage on the user; (b) blocking the space between the luggage and the user with airflow; and (c) blocking the space between the luggage and the user with a physical device; The controller selects one of (a) to (c) according to the attributes of the user and the luggage and performs air conditioning control.

3. The vehicle control device according to claim 2.

4. A vehicle control method for a vehicle control device used in a vehicle that simultaneously transports a user and luggage, comprising: Acquire attributes of the user and attributes of the package; determining whether the user and the luggage are in the vehicle; If it is determined that the user and the luggage are in the vehicle, it is determined whether or not an attribute of the user matches an attribute of the luggage; If the user attribute and the package attribute match, Air conditioning control is performed according to the attributes of the user and the luggage. A vehicle control method comprising:

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