Platooning formation pattern proposing method, platooning formation pattern proposing device, and platooning formation pattern proposing system

Abstract

To avoid impairing the insensitive to participate in a platooning and improve the ease of use of the platooning, even when a wide variety of vehicles participate in the platooning.SOLUTION: The center device 200 of a proposition system 100 that proposes the formation pattern of platooning by a plurality of vehicles 300 collects information regarding the formation pattern, extracts an index factor from the collected information and calculates an index score on the basis of the extracted index factor, and proposes a formation pattern for which the index score was calculated, as a recommended formation pattern, when the calculated index score meets a prescribed condition. In the index score calculation, the index score is calculated with regard to at least two or more indices. In the formation pattern proposition, when at least two or more index scores meet the prescribed condition, the formation pattern for which the index scores were calculated is proposed as a recommended formation pattern.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for proposing a platooning formation pattern for proposing a formation pattern for platooning when multiple vehicles are platooned, a device for proposing a platooning formation pattern, and a system for proposing a platooning formation pattern. [Background technology]

[0002] Platooning, in which multiple vehicles travel in a convoy, allows the multiple vehicles forming the convoy to travel while maintaining a constant inter-vehicle distance. This, for example, can reduce air resistance to the vehicles as they travel, which can be expected to improve fuel efficiency and ensure safer travel. Technologies to support such convoying are being developed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for extracting vehicles based on reference information including at least one of destination information, departure point information, and current location information, and then forming a convoy from the extracted vehicles. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-052556 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When forming a platoon for platooning, for example, the platoon can be formed by prioritizing improved fuel efficiency, or by prioritizing the desired conditions of the vehicles participating in the platoon. In other words, the platoon can be formed based on various indicators depending on the purpose of the platoon. However, in the past, this type of platooning has generally been performed only with multiple vehicles belonging to a single business, or only with the same type of vehicle, such as trucks. In other words, in the past, platooning has generally been performed with only specific vehicles, such as commercial vehicles, in mind. Therefore, the formation of the platoon has been performed by prioritizing only one indicator, such as commercial purposes, and since the number of vehicles participating in the platoon is limited, there has been no particular problem in forming the platoon by prioritizing only one indicator.

[0005] On the other hand, this type of platooning is expected to be used not only for commercial vehicles but also for general vehicles such as passenger cars in the future. In other words, it is expected that the number of cases in which a wide variety of vehicles participate in platooning will increase in the future. Furthermore, when a wide variety of vehicles participate in platooning, if the platoon is formed by prioritizing only one indicator, it will be difficult to form a platoon that meets the wishes of the many participating vehicles. Therefore, there are concerns that the incentive to participate in platooning will be lost and the usability of platooning will be reduced.

[0006] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a method for proposing a platooning formation pattern, a device for proposing a platooning formation pattern, and a system for proposing a platooning formation pattern that can avoid losing the incentive to participate in platooning even when a wide variety of vehicles participate in platooning, and that can improve the usability of platooning. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The method for proposing a platooning formation pattern according to the present disclosure is a method for proposing a formation pattern for platooning when platooning is performed by a plurality of vehicles (300), and includes an information collection step (A2) of collecting information regarding the formation pattern, an index score calculation step (B2) of extracting information contained in predetermined indicators from the information collected by the information collection step as index factors and calculating a score for the indicator as an index score based on the extracted index factors, and an organization pattern proposal step (A6) of proposing the organization pattern for which the index score was calculated as a recommended organization pattern if the index score calculated by the index score calculation step satisfies predetermined conditions, wherein the index score calculation step calculates the index scores for at least two or more indicators, and the organization pattern proposal step proposes the organization pattern for which the index score was calculated as a recommended organization pattern if at least two or more index scores satisfy predetermined conditions.

[0008] The device for proposing a platooning formation pattern according to the present disclosure is a device for proposing a platooning formation pattern (200) that proposes a formation pattern for platooning when platooning is performed by a plurality of vehicles (300), and includes: an information collection processing unit (210) that collects information regarding the formation pattern; an index score calculation processing unit (211) that extracts information contained in a predetermined index from the information collected by the information collection processing unit as an index factor and calculates a score for the index as an index score based on the extracted index factor; and a formation pattern proposal processing unit (212) that, if the index score calculated by the index score calculation processing unit satisfies a predetermined condition, proposes the formation pattern for which the index score has been calculated as a recommended formation pattern, wherein the index score calculation processing unit calculates the index scores for at least two or more indicators, and the formation pattern proposal processing unit proposes the formation pattern for which the index score has been calculated as a recommended formation pattern if at least two or more index scores satisfy the predetermined condition.

[0009] The system for proposing a platooning formation pattern according to the present disclosure is a system (100) for proposing a formation pattern for platooning when platooning is performed by a plurality of vehicles (300), and includes: an information collection processing unit (210) that collects information regarding the formation pattern; an index score calculation processing unit (211) that extracts information included in a predetermined index from the information collected by the information collection processing unit as an index factor and calculates a score for the index as an index score based on the extracted index factor; and an organization pattern proposal processing unit (212) that, if the index score calculated by the index score calculation processing unit satisfies a predetermined condition, proposes the organization pattern for which the index score has been calculated as a recommended organization pattern, wherein the index score calculation processing unit calculates the index scores for at least two or more indicators, and the organization pattern proposal processing unit proposes the organization pattern for which the index score has been calculated as a recommended organization pattern if at least two or more index scores satisfy the predetermined condition.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, even when a wide variety of vehicles participate in platooning, it is possible to avoid losing incentives to participate in platooning, and also to improve the usability of platooning. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system for proposing vehicle platooning patterns according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a center device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for proposing a platooning formation pattern according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6]1 is a flowchart showing an example of a combinatorial optimization process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of generating a vehicle population according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a combination of formations according to the present embodiment; [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of calculation of factor scores of desire indices according to the present embodiment; [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of calculation of factor scores of fuel efficiency indexes according to the present embodiment; [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an index and an example of a factor according to the present embodiment; [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of setting a factor score for driving speed according to the present embodiment; [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of setting factor scores for the degree of labor cost reduction according to the present embodiment; [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of setting a factor score of the degree of contribution to safe driving according to the present embodiment; [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a solution process using a genetic algorithm according to the present embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a diagram (part 1) illustrating an example of a value management process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a diagram (part 2) illustrating an example of a value management process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 18] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a value management process according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] An embodiment of a method for proposing a platooning formation pattern, a device for proposing a platooning formation pattern, and a system for proposing a platooning formation pattern according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The method for proposing a platooning formation pattern, the device for proposing a platooning formation pattern, and the system for proposing a platooning formation pattern according to the present disclosure are configured to be able to propose a formation pattern for platooning when multiple vehicles are platooning.

[0013] The system 100 for proposing a platooning formation pattern illustrated in Fig. 1 has a system configuration mainly including a center device 200. The center device 200 is an example of a device for proposing a platooning formation pattern, and constitutes the proposing system 100 together with a plurality of vehicles 300 and a plurality of user terminals 400.

[0014] Next, a detailed description will be given of an example of the configuration of the center device 200. As shown in Fig. 2, the center device 200 includes a center control unit 201, an external communication unit 202, a desired information database 203, a vehicle information database 204, and the like.

[0015] The center control unit 201 includes a processor 201a configured by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory 201b configured to be able to store various types of data, an input / output unit 201c configured to be able to input and output various types of data, and the like, and is capable of controlling the overall operation of the center device 200. The input / output unit 201c is, for example, referred to as "I / O (Input / Output)."

[0016] Furthermore, the center control unit 201 virtually realizes the information collection processing unit 210, the index score calculation processing unit 211, and the organization pattern proposal processing unit 212 by software, for example, by executing an application program using the processor 201a. Note that the information collection processing unit 210, the index score calculation processing unit 211, and the organization pattern proposal processing unit 212 may be configured by hardware, or may be configured by a combination of software and hardware.

[0017] The information collection processing unit 210 is an example of an information collection unit and is capable of executing an information collection step. The information collection step is a processing step for collecting information regarding the formation pattern of a platoon of multiple vehicles 300. The information collection processing unit 210 can collect various pieces of information, particularly user desired information, necessary to construct the formation pattern of the platoon from user terminals 400 used by participants in the platoon or vehicles wishing to participate. The information collection processing unit 210 can also collect various pieces of information, particularly vehicle information about the vehicles 300, necessary to construct the formation pattern of the platoon from the vehicles 300 participating in the platoon or vehicles wishing to participate.

[0018] The index score calculation processing unit 211 is an example of an index score calculation unit, and is capable of executing an index score calculation step. The index score calculation step is a processing step for extracting information included in a predetermined index from the information collected in the information collection step as an index factor, and calculating the score of the index as an index score based on the extracted index factor.

[0019] The organization pattern proposal processing unit 212 is an example of an organization pattern proposal unit, and is capable of executing an organization pattern proposal step. The organization pattern proposal step is a processing step for proposing, when the index score calculated in the index score calculation step satisfies a predetermined condition, the organization pattern for which the index score is calculated as a recommended organization pattern.

[0020] In this embodiment, the index score calculation processing unit 211 is configured to be able to calculate index scores for at least two or more indicators. Then, the organization pattern proposal processing unit 212 is configured to be able to propose, as a recommended organization pattern, the organization pattern for which the index scores have been calculated, when at least two or more index scores calculated by the index score calculation processing unit 211 satisfy a predetermined condition.

[0021] The external communication unit 202 is configured by, for example, a wireless communication module. The center control unit 201 can be connected via the external communication unit 202 to a plurality of vehicles 300 and user terminals 400 that are located outside so as to be able to communicate wirelessly with them.

[0022] The desired information database 203 is a database configured to be able to store various desired information collected from the user terminals 400 used by participants in the platooning or those wishing to participate, for example, in the information collection step described above.

[0023] The vehicle information database 204 is a database configured to store various vehicle information about the vehicle 300 that is a participating vehicle in the platoon or a vehicle that wishes to participate, collected, for example, by the information collection step described above.

[0024] Next, a detailed description will be given of an example configuration of the vehicle 300. As shown in Fig. 3, the vehicle 300 can be a participating vehicle that participates in the platooning or a vehicle that wishes to participate, and each vehicle includes a vehicle control unit 301, an external communication unit 302, an inter-vehicle communication unit 303, a navigation unit 304, a human-machine interface unit 305, etc.

[0025] The vehicle control unit 301 includes a processor 301a configured by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory 301b configured to be able to store various types of data, an input / output unit 301c configured to be able to input and output various types of data, and the like, and is capable of controlling the overall operation of the vehicle 300. The input / output unit 301c is, for example, referred to as "I / O (Input / Output)."

[0026] The external communication unit 302 is configured by, for example, a wireless communication module. The vehicle control unit 301 can be connected to an external center device 200 via the external communication unit 302 so as to be able to communicate wirelessly with the center device 200.

[0027] The vehicle-to-vehicle communication unit 303 is configured by, for example, a wireless communication module. The vehicle control unit 301 can be connected to other vehicles 300 via the vehicle-to-vehicle communication unit 303 so that wireless communication can be performed.

[0028] The navigation unit 304 is a well-known configuration that identifies the current position of the vehicle 300 based on, for example, a positioning signal received from a positioning satellite, and provides guidance for traveling the vehicle 300 based on the identified current position information, map information, and the like.

[0029] The human-machine interface unit 305 is a functional unit that is responsible for various communications between an occupant of the vehicle 300, such as a driver, and the vehicle 300, and is referred to as an HMI (Human Machine Interface). The human-machine interface unit 305 includes various functional units, such as a steering wheel, pedals, operation switches, meters, a display screen, and a speaker.

[0030] Furthermore, the vehicle control unit 301 virtually realizes the platooning execution unit 310 in software by, for example, executing an application program using the processor 301a. Note that the platooning execution unit 310 may be configured as hardware, or may be configured as a combination of software and hardware.

[0031] The platooning execution unit 310 is configured to be able to execute platooning of multiple vehicles 300 based on a recommended formation pattern or a determined formation pattern provided by the center device 200, as will be described in detail later. In other words, the platooning execution unit 310 is configured to be able to control the driving of the vehicles 300, such as various operations such as acceleration, deceleration, left turns, and right turns, so that the vehicles 300 drive in accordance with the recommended formation pattern or the determined formation pattern provided by the center device 200.

[0032] The vehicle control unit 301 installed in each vehicle 300 controls the driving of each vehicle 300 according to the recommended formation pattern or the determined formation pattern, thereby enabling platooning of multiple vehicles 300 based on the recommended formation pattern or the determined formation pattern.

[0033] Next, a detailed description will be given of an example configuration of the user terminal 400. The user terminal 400 is configured by various information communication terminals that can be used by a user, such as a smartphone, a tablet, a mobile phone, or a laptop computer. As shown in FIG. 4, the user terminal 400 includes a terminal control unit 401 and an external communication unit 402. The user terminal 400 may be, for example, an in-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle 300.

[0034] The terminal control unit 401 includes a processor 401a configured by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory 401b configured to be able to store various types of data, an input / output unit 401c configured to be able to input and output various types of data, and the like, and is capable of controlling the overall operation of the user terminal 400. The input / output unit 401c is, for example, what is called "I / O (Input / Output)."

[0035] The external communication unit 402 is configured by, for example, a wireless communication module. The user terminal 400 can be connected to an external center device 200 via the external communication unit 402 so as to be able to communicate wirelessly with the center device 200. This allows users who are participating in or intend to participate in the platooning to input their desired information into the center device 200 using the user terminal 400.

[0036] Next, an example of a process for proposing a platooning formation pattern executed by the center device 200 through the center control unit 201 will be described in detail. As illustrated in Fig. 5, the center device 200 establishes a connection with the vehicle 300 and the user terminal 400 via wireless communication (step A1). Then, the center device 200 collects vehicle information from the vehicle 300 and collects desired information from the user terminal 400 (step A2). Step A2 is an example of an information collection step for collecting information related to the formation pattern.

[0037] Then, the center device 200 executes a vehicle population generation process (step A3). This vehicle population generation process is an example of an information classification step, and is a process of classifying the various pieces of information collected in step A2 into a target information group and a non-target information group. The target information group is an information group consisting of various pieces of information about users and vehicles 300 that may form a platoon. On the other hand, the non-target information group is an information group consisting of various pieces of information about users and vehicles 300 that may not form a platoon. For example, if the destinations or departure dates are different, the users and vehicles 300 are deemed to be users and vehicles 300 that may not form a platoon.

[0038] Then, the center device 200 generates a vehicle population, i.e., a group consisting of multiple vehicles 300 that may form a platoon, based on the various types of information that have been sorted into target information groups that may form a platoon. This information sorting step can also be defined as a stratification step that stratifies the collected information, for example, from the perspective of the departure point, destination, departure time zone, etc.

[0039] Then, the center device 200 determines at least two or more indices that are most important when generating the formation pattern of the platooning, that is, at least two or more indices that maximize the importance (step A4). In this case, the center device 200 is configured to determine at least two or more indices as indices that maximize the importance, that is, indices that are most important.

[0040] Then, the center device 200 executes a combinatorial optimization process (step A5). This combinatorial optimization process is a process for calculating an optimal formation pattern as a quasi-optimal solution or an optimal solution when platooning is performed by a plurality of vehicles 300. The details of this combinatorial optimization process will be described later.

[0041] In the combinatorial optimization process, an optimal solution may be calculated instead of a suboptimal solution for the formation pattern. The optimal solution is a solution that provides the most suitable formation pattern for the multiple vehicles 300 participating in the platooning, meaning that there is no formation pattern more suitable than the calculated optimal solution. On the other hand, a suboptimal solution is a solution that is close to the optimal solution, meaning that there may be a formation pattern more suitable than the calculated suboptimal solution.

[0042] Then, the center device 200 notifies, or proposes, the organization pattern acquired by the combinatorial optimization process as the final recommended organization pattern (step A6). At this time, the recommended organization pattern may be notified, or proposed, to the vehicle 300, the user terminal 400, or both the vehicle 300 and the user terminal 400. Step A6 is an example of an organization pattern proposing step.

[0043] When the recommended organization pattern is notified to the vehicle 300, the recommended organization pattern is displayed, for example, on a display screen (not shown) provided in the navigation unit 304. Furthermore, when the recommended organization pattern is notified to the user terminal 400, the recommended organization pattern is displayed, for example, on a display screen (not shown) provided in the user terminal 400.

[0044] A user who is participating in or intends to participate in the platooning checks the recommended formation pattern displayed on the vehicle 300 or the user terminal 400, that is, the content of the recommended formation pattern proposed by the center device 200. If the user approves the content of the proposed recommended formation pattern, the user operates an approval button (not shown). Such an approval button is provided, for example, as a touch button on the display screen of the navigation unit 304 or the display screen of the user terminal 400. The approval button may be, for example, a mechanical switch provided on the navigation unit 304.

[0045] When the approval button is operated in the vehicle 300, the vehicle control unit 301 transmits approval information indicating that the recommended organization pattern has been approved to the center device 200. Information capable of identifying the user of the vehicle 300, such as ID information, is stored in the vehicle 300. When transmitting the approval information to the center device 200, the vehicle control unit 301 attaches information capable of identifying the user who approved the approval information to the approval information. This enables the center device 200 to identify which user has approved the recommended organization pattern.

[0046] Furthermore, when an approval button is operated on the user terminal 400, the terminal control unit 401 transmits approval information indicating that the recommended organization pattern has been approved to the center device 200. The user terminal 400 stores information capable of identifying the user of the user terminal 400, such as ID information. When transmitting the approval information to the center device 200, the terminal control unit 401 attaches information capable of identifying the approving user to the approval information. This enables the center device 200 to identify which user has approved the recommended organization pattern.

[0047] Then, when all of the users participating in or intending to participate in the platooning have operated the approval button, that is, when the proposed recommended formation pattern has been approved by all of the participants in the platooning or all of the users who wish to participate (step A7: YES), center device 200 notifies the approved recommended formation pattern as the decided formation pattern (step A8), and terminates the process of proposing the platooning formation pattern. The decided formation pattern may be notified to vehicle 300, user terminal 400, or both vehicle 300 and user terminal 400.

[0048] Furthermore, if some or all of the users participating in or attempting to participate in the platooning do not operate the approval button, that is, if the proposed recommended formation pattern is not approved by some of the participants in the platooning or some of the users wishing to participate, or is not approved by all of the participants in the platooning or all of the users wishing to participate (step A7: NO), center device 200 terminates the process of proposing this platooning formation pattern without notifying the decided formation pattern (step A8). Note that even if the user does not operate the approval button after waiting for a predetermined time, the process may proceed as if the approval button was not operated.

[0049] In addition, if the proposed recommended formation pattern is not accepted by some of the participants in the platoon driving or some of the people who wish to participate, or is not accepted by all of the participants in the platoon driving or all of the people who wish to participate (step A7: NO), the center device 200 may, for example, return to the above-mentioned combination optimization process (step A5) and propose another recommended formation pattern.

[0050] Furthermore, a rejection button may be provided to actively indicate that the proposed recommended formation pattern is not approved, and the center device 200 may determine that the proposed recommended formation pattern is not approved if even one of the users participating in or attempting to participate in the platooning operates the rejection button.Similar to the approval button, this rejection button may be provided as a touch button on the display screen of the navigation unit 304 or the display screen of the user terminal 400, for example.The rejection button may be, for example, a mechanical switch provided in the navigation unit 304.

[0051] Furthermore, after the plurality of vehicles 300 have started platooning based on the determined formation pattern, the center device 200 may transmit, as needed, change information that modifies the platooning plan based on the determined formation pattern to the vehicles 300 and the user terminal 400. In other words, after the plurality of vehicles 300 have started platooning, it is also possible to make appropriate changes to the platooning plan based on the determined formation pattern.

[0052] Next, an example of the above-mentioned combinatorial optimization process (step A5) will be described in detail. FIG. 6 illustrates a process using a genetic algorithm as an example of the combinatorial optimization process. Other combinatorial optimization processes that can be used include dynamic programming, simulated annealing, and a Hopfield neural network. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the center device 200 creates multiple candidate formation patterns that are expected when platooning is performed by multiple vehicles 300 included in the vehicle population generated in the above-mentioned step A3, and generates a candidate formation group consisting of these multiple platoon formation plans (step B1). Hereinafter, the candidate formation patterns may be referred to as "platoon formation plans." A quasi-optimal solution is obtained through the combinatorial optimization process.

[0053] Then, the center device 200 sets a group of candidate plans consisting of multiple formation configuration plans as the Gth generation, and calculates a value related to the index score for the Gth generation (step B2). Step B2 is an example of an index score calculation step in which information included in a predetermined index from the information collected in the information collection step is extracted as an index factor, and the score of the index is calculated as an index score based on the extracted index factor. Note that the initial value of the number of generations "G" is usually "1". Also, the maximum value of the number of generations "G" can be changed and set as appropriate.

[0054] In the calculation process of step B2, the center device 200 calculates the following four values ​​as values ​​related to the index scores for the indexes determined in step A4, for example, when two indexes are determined in step A4. The sum of the index score Sa and the index score Sb for the entire group of candidate proposals The difference between the index score Sa and the index score Sb for the entire group of candidate proposals The sum of the index score Sa and the index score Sb for each formation plan The difference between the index score Sa and the index score Sb for each formation plan

[0055] If the number of indicators determined in step A4 is three or more, the sum and difference of the indicator scores for the entire candidate group and the sum and difference of the indicator scores for each formation composition plan are calculated. More specifically, the following four values ​​are calculated: "N" is an integer of three or more. · The sum of the first index score, the second index score, the third index score, ···, the Nth index score for the entire group of candidate proposals ·Differences between the first index score, the second index score, the third index score, ···, and the Nth index score for the entire group of candidate proposals The sum of the first index score, the second index score, the third index score, ..., and the Nth index score for each formation plan Differences between the first index score, the second index score, the third index score, ..., and the Nth index score for each formation plan

[0056] Hereinafter, in this embodiment, a case where two indices are maximized will be described, but the above method can maximize three or more indices.

[0057] The center device 200 then applies a solution process using a well-known genetic algorithm to the current-generation candidate group to generate a next-generation candidate group (step B3), and calculates values ​​related to index scores for the next generation (step B2).When the center device 200 has completed calculation of values ​​related to index scores for up to the Gth generation, which is the maximum generation (step B4: YES), it executes a process for selecting a recommended organization pattern (step B5).

[0058] In the process of selecting a recommended organization pattern (step B5), the center device 200 selects, as a recommended organization pattern, an organization pattern for which an index score that satisfies all of the following conditions has been calculated from the values ​​obtained in steps B2 and B3 described above. The sum of the index score Sa and the index score Sb in the entire candidate group is the largest The difference between the index score Sa and the index score Sb in the entire group of candidate proposals is the smallest. The sum of the index score Sa and the index score Sb for each formation plan is the maximum The difference between the index score Sa and the index score Sb for each formation plan is minimal.

[0059] Then, when the center device 200 completes the process of selecting such a recommended organization pattern (step B5), it ends this combination optimization process and proceeds to the above-mentioned process of notifying the recommended organization pattern (step A6). That is, the center device 200 proposes the recommended organization pattern selected by the combination optimization process (step A5) to the user.

[0060] Note that, if the index score determined in step A4 is three or more, a recommended organization pattern is similarly selected and proposed. In this case, in the combinatorial optimization process (step A5), the center device 200 may be configured to select and propose, as a recommended organization pattern, the organization pattern for which the index score is calculated if the sum of the three or more index scores determined in step A4 is maximum and the difference between the three or more index scores determined in step A4 is minimum.

[0061] Furthermore, in the combinatorial optimization process (step A5), if the sum of at least two or more index scores is maximum and the difference between at least two or more index scores is minimum, the center device 200 may be configured to acquire the organization pattern for which the index score is calculated as a quasi-optimal solution or an optimal solution in the combinatorial optimization process, and to select and propose the organization pattern for which the quasi-optimal solution or optimal solution is acquired as a recommended organization pattern.

[0062] Next, a specific example of the process for proposing a platooning formation pattern will be described. As shown in Fig. 7, for example, assume that there are 20 vehicles 300 who wish to participate in platooning. In this situation, the center device 200 generates a vehicle population that may form a platoon and a vehicle population that may not form a platoon, based on the information collected in the information collection step. Then, the center device 200 proposes a recommended formation pattern for each of the generated vehicle populations.

[0063] Here, we will explain the case where a platooning plan is proposed for a collection of 10 vehicles 300 that make up vehicle population B, whose participation preference information specifies that the "departure point" is Nagoya and the "destination point" is Osaka, in which a platooning plan that places importance on predetermined indicators A and B is presented side by side, that is, a platooning plan that places importance on predetermined indicators A and B. Here, we will explain an example in which two indicators are given importance, but a platooning plan may be constructed by giving importance to three or more indicators.

[0064] That is, the center device 200 generates a candidate plan group consisting of multiple platooning plans for the vehicle population B. Then, the center device 200 searches for a platooning plan that maximizes the sum of the index score Sa and the index score Sb across the candidate plan group and minimizes the difference between the index score Sa and the index score Sb across the candidate plan group. That is, in order to balance the two indicators, the center device 200 selects a platooning plan that maximizes the sum of the index score Sa and the index score Sb across the candidate plan group and minimizes the difference.

[0065] For example, in the combination of platoons A, B, and C illustrated in Figure 8, the sum of the index scores Sa for the entire candidate plan group is "Sa1 + Sa2 + Sa3," and the sum of the index scores Sb is "Sb1 + Sb2 + Sb3." Therefore, the center device 200 searches for a platoon composition plan that maximizes "Sa1 + Sa2 + Sa3" + "Sb1 + Sb2 + Sb3" and minimizes "Sa1 + Sa2 + Sa3" - "Sb1 + Sb2 + Sb3." Note that the number of platoons that make up a candidate plan group can be changed as appropriate, and the number of vehicles 300 that make up each platoon can also be changed as appropriate.

[0066] Hereinafter, focusing on, for example, formation A, a case where the index score of the formation A is calculated will be specifically described.

[0067] That is, the center device 200 is configured to calculate the index score for the entire platoon by multiplying the index factor score by a predetermined weight w and calculating the sum of the multiplied values. Therefore, here, an example of calculation when the desired index and fuel efficiency index are used as the indexes will be described. The desired index is an index that indicates that priority is given to the desired conditions of participants in the platoon or those wishing to participate. Furthermore, the fuel efficiency index is an index that indicates that priority is given to improving fuel efficiency in the platoon.

[0068] In addition to the desired index and fuel efficiency index, various other indexes can be set, such as a labor cost index indicating that a priority is given to reducing labor costs required to execute platooning, a safety index indicating that a priority is given to safety during platooning, etc. The weight w can be defined as the degree to which importance is given to the index factor when calculating the current platooning configuration proposal and platooning plan, in other words, a value that reflects the importance.

[0069] A specific example will be described in detail below. For example, let us assume that the factors constituting the desired index are a platoon order factor indicating the order in which each vehicle 300 will be lined up in the platoon, a departure time factor indicating the start time of the platoon, a stop-off SA factor indicating a service area to stop at along the way in the platoon, and a route factor indicating the route to be traveled in the platoon. The platoon order factor, when scored, is called "a1," the departure time factor is called "a2," the stop-off SA factor is called "a3," and the route factor is called "a4."

[0070] Then, · Formation order "a1" x weight "w1" = desired formation order score Departure time "a2" x weight "w2" = Desired departure time score Stopover SA "a3" x weight "w3" = desired SA score Route "a4" x weight "w4" = desired route score This becomes:

[0071] Therefore, the score for the aspiration index is Desired indicator score = "Desired convoy order score" + "Desired departure time score" + "Desired SA score" + "Desired route score" It can be calculated as follows.

[0072] For example, the factors that make up the fuel efficiency index are a platoon order factor that indicates the order in which each vehicle 300 is lined up in the platoon, a route factor that indicates the route to be traveled by the platoon, and a vehicle type factor that indicates the vehicle types of the vehicles 300 participating in the platoon.The platoon order factor is scored as "b1," the route factor is scored as "b2," and the vehicle type factor is scored as "b3."

[0073] Then, · Platoon order "b1" x weight "w5" = fuel efficiency platoon order score Route "b2" x weight "w6" = fuel efficiency route score Vehicle type "b3" x weight "w7" = fuel efficiency vehicle score This becomes:

[0074] Therefore, the fuel efficiency index score is Fuel efficiency index score = "Fuel efficiency convoy order score" + "Fuel efficiency route score" + "Fuel efficiency vehicle score" It can be calculated as follows.

[0075] In addition, if the number of factors differs for each index, that is, for example, if the desired index has four factors and the fuel efficiency index has three factors, the index scores for each may be calculated, for example, using a weighted average.

[0076] Next, an example of a method for calculating the index score will be described assuming a more specific case.

[0077] 9, when calculating the score of a desired index, the center device 200 scores each piece of desired information, such as a train order factor, a departure time factor, a stop SA factor, and a route factor, to obtain a factor score. Note that, here, each piece of information is scored using, for example, -1 point, 0 point, or 1 point, but the manner of scoring is not limited to this.

[0078] To explain more specifically, for example, in the case of the formation order factor, when the formation order is "ABC," that is, from the front, the order is A's vehicle A, B's vehicle B, and C's vehicle C, the factor score is as follows: A's preference (1st): 1st choice = 1 point B's preference (2nd choice): 1st choice = 1 point C's choice (3rd choice): 2nd choice = 0 points Therefore, The factor score for the formation order "ABC" = "1 point" + "1 point" + "0 point" = "2 points" For other formation orders, factor scores are calculated in the same way.

[0079] In addition, the factor score for the departure time factor "9:00" is A's preference (9:00): 1st choice = 1 point B's preference (9:00): 3rd choice = -1 point C's preference (9:00): 1st choice = 1 point Therefore, Factor score for departure time "9:00" = "1 point" + "-1 point" + "1 point" = "1 point" The factor scores are calculated similarly for other departure times.

[0080] In addition, the factor score for the stopover SA "Shizuoka Prefecture" among the stopover SA factors is: A's preference (Shizuoka Prefecture): 1st choice = 1 point B's preference (none): No preference = 0 points C's preference (Shizuoka Prefecture): 3rd choice = -1 point Therefore, Factor score for the stopover SA "Shizuoka Prefecture" = "1 point" + "0 point" + "-1 point" = "0 point" The factor scores are calculated in the same way for other stop-off SAs. In FIG. 9, the stop-off SA "Shizuoka Prefecture" indicates a service area located in Shizuoka Prefecture, and similarly, the stop-off SA "Aichi Prefecture" indicates a service area located in Aichi Prefecture, and the stop-off SA "Kanagawa Prefecture" indicates a service area located in Kanagawa Prefecture.

[0081] In addition, the factor score for the route "general road" among the route factors is A's preference (public road): 3rd choice = -1 point B's preference (none): No preference = 0 points C's preference (public road): 2nd choice = 0 points Therefore, Route "General Road" factor score = "-1 point" + "0 point" + "0 point" = -1 point The factor scores are calculated similarly for the other routes.

[0082] Then, the center device 200 further weights each factor score with weights w1, w2, w3, and w4, and calculates the sum of the weighted factor scores as the score of the desired index.

[0083] For example, if the desired order of the platoon is vehicles A, B, and C from the front, the desired departure time is 9:00, the desired stopover service area is a service area in Shizuoka prefecture, and the desired route is the Tomei Expressway, the score of the preference index is Desire index score = factor score of convoy order factor "2" x w1 + factor score of departure time factor "1" x w2 + factor score of stopover SA factor "0" x w3 + factor score of route factor "0" x w4 = 3 In this case, the values ​​of the weights w1, w2, w3, and w4 are all set to "1." However, the values ​​of the weights w1, w2, w3, and w4 can be changed and set as appropriate. Also, the values ​​of the weights w1, w2, w3, and w4 may be different from each other.

[0084] 10, when calculating the score of the fuel efficiency index, the center device 200 scores each piece of vehicle information, including the platoon order factor, route factor, and vehicle type factor, to obtain a factor score. Here, each piece of information is scored using, for example, a known simulation technique. Note that various scoring methods can be applied to score each piece of information as long as the method can fully or to some extent reflect the content of each piece of information.

[0085] The center device 200 then further weights each factor score with weights w5, w6, and w7, and calculates the sum of the weighted factor scores as the score of the fuel efficiency index.

[0086] For example, if the desired order of the platoon is vehicles A, B, and C from the front, the desired route is the Tomei Expressway, and the multiple vehicles 300 participating in the platooning are a combination of the same vehicle type, the score of the fuel efficiency index is Fuel efficiency index score = platoon order factor score "1" x w5 + route factor score "1" x w6 + vehicle model factor score "1" x w7 = 3 In this case, the values ​​of the weights w5, w6, and w7 are all set to "1." However, the values ​​of the weights w5, w6, and w7 can be changed as appropriate. Also, the values ​​of the weights w5, w6, and w7 may be different from each other.

[0087] For example, in the manner described above, the center device 200 calculates the score of the desired index and the score of the fuel efficiency index. Then, the center device 200 acquires the pattern in which the sum of the score of the desired index and the score of the fuel efficiency index is maximized and the difference between the score of the desired index and the score of the fuel efficiency index is minimized as a quasi-optimal solution or an optimal solution using a well-known combinatorial optimization process. Then, the center device 200 selects the formation pattern from which the quasi-optimal solution or the optimal solution has been acquired as a recommended formation pattern and proposes it to participants in the platooning or those wishing to participate.

[0088] Furthermore, by setting the weights w1, w2, w3, and w4 for calculating the score of the desired index to values ​​higher than the weights w5, w6, and w7 for calculating the score of the fuel efficiency index, it is possible to find a solution for the organization pattern with greater emphasis on the desired index. On the other hand, by setting the weights w5, w6, and w7 for calculating the score of the fuel efficiency index to values ​​higher than the weights w1, w2, w3, and w4 for calculating the score of the desired index, it is possible to find a solution for the organization pattern with greater emphasis on the fuel efficiency index.

[0089] Furthermore, when performing such combinatorial optimization processing, the center device 200 utilizes the well-known genetic algorithm as described above to suppress the expansion of the amount of calculation. This allows the above-described combinatorial optimization processing to be performed without using a computer with extremely high computational power, such as a quantum computer. Note that the center device 200 can utilize other techniques, such as well-known dynamic programming, simulated annealing, and Hopfield neural network processing, instead of the genetic algorithm. The flow illustrated in FIG. 6 is a flow when a genetic algorithm is utilized as an example of combinatorial optimization processing, and the flow will be different when other techniques, such as dynamic programming, simulated annealing, and Hopfield neural network processing, are utilized.

[0090] Fig. 11 shows examples of indices that are considered applicable to this embodiment and examples of factors that make up each indices. It goes without saying that examples of indices and factors that are not shown in Fig. 11 are also applicable.

[0091] As illustrated in FIG. 11, factors such as the platoon order, vehicle type, and route can be applied to the fuel efficiency index, and as described above, a factor score can be calculated and assigned to each factor.

[0092] In addition to the factors mentioned above, factors such as the start time of platooning, start distance of platooning, distance traveled by platoon, route, departure time, arrival time, driver burden, and driving speed can be applied to the desired index.

[0093] Here, the platooning start time indicates the time when platooning will begin, and is a factor that reflects how early platooning can begin. The platooning start distance indicates the distance from the current position to the point where platooning will begin, and is a factor that reflects how close platooning can begin. The platooning distance is a factor that indicates the total distance platooning will take. The route indicates the route platooning will take, and is a factor that takes into account factors such as whether the vehicle is on a general road, an expressway, road tolls, intermediate stops, service areas or parking areas to be visited, the width of the road along which the vehicle will platoon, and the scenery during platooning.

[0094] The departure time is a factor that indicates the specific time of departure from the starting point of the platoon. The arrival time is a factor that indicates the specific time of arrival at the destination point of the platoon. The driver burden indicates the burden placed on the driver due to platooning, and is a factor that reflects, for example, the order of the platoon and the difference between manned and unmanned driving.

[0095] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12, for example, the driving speed is a factor that indicates whether the entire section in which platooning is performed is in the same driving speed range or whether different driving speed ranges are included. If the entire section in which platooning is performed is in the same driving speed range, it is possible to reduce the fuel consumption and driver burden associated with platooning. Therefore, when the entire section in which platooning is performed is in the same driving speed range, the factor score is a high score, for example, "1 point." On the other hand, when different driving speed ranges are included in the section in which platooning is performed, it becomes difficult to reduce the fuel consumption and driver burden associated with platooning. Therefore, when different driving speed ranges are included in the section in which platooning is performed, the factor score is a low score, for example, "-1 point."

[0096] Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 11 , the labor cost index can be determined based on factors such as whether the vehicles participating in the platoon are manned or unmanned, or the degree of labor cost reduction. The degree of labor cost reduction is a factor indicating whether all of the vehicles 300 participating in the platoon are manned or whether an unmanned vehicle 300 is included, as illustrated in FIG. 13 . If an unmanned vehicle 300 is included in the platoon, a driver can be eliminated for that vehicle 300, thereby reducing labor costs. Therefore, when an unmanned vehicle 300 is included in the platoon, the factor score is high, for example, “1 point.” On the other hand, when all of the vehicles 300 participating in the platoon are manned, a driver is required for each vehicle 300 participating in the platoon, making it difficult to reduce labor costs. Therefore, when all of the vehicles 300 participating in the platoon are manned, the factor score is low, for example, “−1 point.”

[0097] Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 11 , the safety index can be based on factors such as the presence or absence of a safety function or the contribution to safe driving. As illustrated in FIG. 14 , the contribution to safe driving is an index indicating whether a vehicle 300 equipped with a predetermined safety function is participating in the platoon, or whether all of the vehicles 300 participating in the platoon are vehicles 300 that do not have the predetermined safety function. When vehicles 300 equipped with the predetermined safety function are participating in the platoon, the safety of the platoon can be improved. Therefore, when vehicles 300 equipped with the predetermined safety function are participating in the platoon, the factor score is a high score, for example, "1 point." On the other hand, when all of the vehicles 300 participating in the platoon are vehicles 300 that do not have the predetermined safety function, it is difficult to improve the safety of the platoon. Therefore, when all of the vehicles 300 participating in the platoon are vehicles 300 that do not have the predetermined safety function, the factor score is a low score, for example, "-1 point."

[0098] The predetermined safety function may be, for example, an advanced driving assistance system function known as an ADAS (Advanced Driving Assistant System).

[0099] As described above, various indices can be set, such as at least a fuel efficiency index indicating that improving fuel efficiency is prioritized, a preference index indicating that the desired conditions of the participants and participating vehicles in the platooning are prioritized, a labor cost index indicating that the reduction of labor costs required to execute the platooning is prioritized, a safety index indicating that safety during the execution of the platooning, etc. Various other indices can also be set. In the index score calculation step, the center device 200 can appropriately combine at least two or more of the fuel efficiency index, preference index, labor cost index, safety index, and various other indices, and calculate an index score for the combination of these multiple indices.

[0100] Furthermore, according to the solution process using the well-known genetic algorithm described above, as shown in FIG. 15, the current generation formation composition plan is subjected to genetic processes such as crossover, mutation, and copying, and the results are saved as the next generation formation composition plan. By repeating this solution process over multiple generations, a more optimal solution can be obtained. Note that various parameters, such as the crossover rate in the crossover process and the mutation rate in the mutation process, can be changed and set as appropriate.

[0101] 2, the center device 200 further includes a value management processing unit 220. The center control unit 201 virtually realizes the value management processing unit 220 by software, for example, by executing an application program using the processor 201a. Note that the value management processing unit 220 may be configured by hardware, or may be configured by a combination of software and hardware.

[0102] The value management processing unit 220 is an example of a value management unit, and is configured to grant predetermined rights to participants or those wishing to participate in the platooning who provide predetermined value. The predetermined value may be, for example, actual value such as money, or virtual value such as virtual currency or points. The value management processing unit 220 is configured to store and manage the provided value in a value management database 225.

[0103] Next, the function of the value management processing unit 220 will be described in more detail. The value management processing unit 220 can grant a user who has provided a predetermined value the right to select at least two or more indices to be used in the index score calculation step as a predetermined right. Thus, by providing a predetermined value, a user can specify one or more indices that the user wishes to prioritize. A user who has provided a predetermined value can also be called a user who is willing to provide a predetermined value until the formation pattern of the platooning is determined.

[0104] Furthermore, the value management processing unit 220 can grant a user who provides a predetermined value the right to select a weighting value for the selected index as a predetermined right. Thus, by providing a predetermined value, a user can increase the importance of one or more indexes selected by the user.

[0105] Furthermore, the value management processing unit 220 can grant a user who provides a predetermined value the right to specify conditions that must not be compromised in platooning. Thus, by providing a predetermined value, a user can set conditions that must be met in platooning.

[0106] 16, for example, the value management processing unit 220 selects a recommended organization pattern for a user who has provided a predetermined value by taking into account the provided value information in addition to the collected desired information and vehicle information. With regard to the value information, the user who has provided a predetermined value can select the indicator that they want to maximize, that is, the indicator that they consider most important, and can also select the weighting, or the degree of importance, of the selected indicator.

[0107] Explaining this with reference to the flow illustrated in FIG. 5, for example, in step A2, the center device 200 collects vehicle information from the vehicles 300, collects desired information from the user terminals 400, and acquires value information from the user terminals 400 of users who are willing to provide a predetermined value. In step A4, the center device 200 sets the indices and weights of the index factor scores selected by the users who are willing to provide a predetermined value as the indices and weights to be used when generating a platooning formation pattern. Note that in step A7, if the recommended formation pattern is approved by all participants in the platooning or all those who wish to participate, it is determined that the users who are willing to provide the predetermined value will provide the predetermined value. This, for example, determines the amount of money to be charged to the users who are willing to provide the predetermined value.

[0108] The "pay-per-use" type is a type in which a predetermined value is paid each time. With the "pay-per-use" type, participants in or wishing to participate in a platoon can pay a value each time, thereby allowing their own preferences to be reflected preferentially in the formation of the platoon.

[0109] The "flat-rate payment" type is a type in which a predetermined value is paid at a fixed rate. With the "flat-rate payment" type, participants or those wishing to participate in a platooning can prioritize their own preferences in the formation of the platooning for a predetermined period of time, for example, the month in which they paid the fixed value.

[0110] The "auction" type is a type in which a predetermined value is paid in an auction format. With the "auction" type, participants in or wishing to participate in platooning can bid on a platoon formation plan that reflects their preferences, and if the bidded formation plan is successful, they can platoon with a formation that reflects their preferences.

[0111] Furthermore, the value management processing unit 220 can grant a user who has provided a predetermined value a predetermined right to reflect their desired conditions in the recommended organization pattern proposed in the organization pattern proposal step. In this case, the center device 200 determines the indicators that maximize the importance and the weights of the indicator factor scores when generating the organization pattern for platooning. In step A6 of FIG. 5, when the center device 200 notifies or proposes the organization pattern acquired by the combinatorial optimization process as the final recommended organization pattern, the center device 200 reflects the desired conditions of the user who is willing to provide the predetermined value to the extent that the organization pattern is not changed or is limited to a change for the platoon that includes the user who is willing to provide the predetermined value.

[0112] 17, for example, the value management processing unit 220 selects a recommended organization pattern for a user who has provided a predetermined value by taking into account the provided value information in addition to the collected preference information and vehicle information. In the value information, the person who provided the predetermined value can reflect their own wishes as "conditions that cannot be compromised."

[0113] Furthermore, the value management processing unit 220 can grant a user who has provided a predetermined value a predetermined right to include information that reflects the user's desired conditions in the information collected in the information collection step. For example, in step A2 of Fig. 5, the center device 200 collects vehicle information from the vehicle 300 and desired information from the user terminal 400, as well as value information and ride-sharing desired information.

[0114] 18, participants or those wishing to participate in the platooning can input their own desired information as "ride-sharing desired information" via, for example, a user terminal 400, and this "ride-sharing desired information" together with the desired information and vehicle information is collected by the center device 200 from the user terminal 400. The center device 200 then selects a recommended formation pattern by taking into account the collected desired information and vehicle information as well as the collected value information and "ride-sharing desired information," and proposes it to the user.

[0115] A user who inputs "ride-sharing information" can approve the recommended formation pattern if the user's "ride-sharing information" is sufficiently reflected in the proposed recommended formation pattern. The recommended formation pattern is also proposed to users other than the user who inputs "ride-sharing information." If users other than the user who inputs "ride-sharing information" think that they would like to participate in a platoon using the proposed recommended formation pattern, they can approve the recommended formation pattern and participate in a platoon using the recommended formation pattern.

[0116] Note that "approval" here means agreement to pay a fee or other value to participate in a platoon that reflects the "ridepooling request information" of others. Even if approval is not obtained from all users who proposed platooning plans that reflect the "ridepooling request information," the center device 200 notifies only those users who have approved the platooning plan that reflects the "ridepooling request information" as the determined formation pattern. The center device 200 then executes a predetermined billing process only for users who have been notified of the determined formation pattern, i.e., only for users who have approved it.

[0117] In this way, a user who has input "ride-sharing preference information" can recruit other users who are willing to join a platoon traveling using a recommended formation pattern that reflects the user's "ride-sharing preference information." In other words, a user who has input "ride-sharing preference information" can recruit other users who are willing to join a platoon traveling using a formation that reflects the user's preferences, that is, to "ride-sharing."

[0118] The center device 200 may propose not only a formation formation plan that reflects the "ride-pooling request information," but also a formation formation plan that does not reflect the "ride-pooling request information." According to this configuration example, for example, users other than the user who inputted the "ride-pooling request information" can approve a formation formation plan that does not reflect the "ride-pooling request information." In this case, the center device 200 may propose only a formation formation plan that reflects the "ride-pooling request information" to users who inputted the "ride-pooling request information."

[0119] Furthermore, the center device 200 may be configured to collect information indicating whether or not there is a desire to "ridepool." For example, if three of the ten vehicles are participating in or wish to participate in a "ridepool" platoon, the center device 200 may organize a platoon composition plan with those three vehicles and organize one or more different platoon composition plans with the remaining seven vehicles.

[0120] In addition, in the above-described "ride-sharing" pattern, the recruiter can recruit participants by offering a participation fee for the platooning, with the recruiter's preferences being given top priority. Then, participants who wish to "ride-sharing" can join the platooning by paying a predetermined value. A specific "ride-sharing" pattern could be, for example, a case where a person wants to pay a predetermined value to organize a platoon of only vehicles driven by "women."

[0121] As described above, the center device 200 provides preferential treatment by granting predetermined rights to participants or those wishing to participate in the platooning who have provided a predetermined value. It is preferable that the center device 200 proposes an optimal platooning plan so that the preferences of the users who have provided the predetermined value do not conflict with each other. However, it is expected that there may be cases where the preferences of the users conflict with each other. Therefore, when the preferences of the users conflict with each other, the center device 200 may separately obtain platooning plans that reflect each preference and propose them to each user.

[0122] Furthermore, various payment methods can be applied as a method for providing a predetermined value, and for example, a payment method that combines pay-as-you-go and flat-rate payments may be used.

[0123] In addition, in the pay-per-use format, a value set in the center device 200, for example, is paid each time a vehicle joins or wishes to join a platoon. For example, the value may vary depending on the desired content, such as the desired index or weight, or the system may pay a predetermined value for a set of multiple indexes and multiple weights.

[0124] In addition, in the flat-rate payment format, a value set in, for example, the center device 200 is paid for a predetermined period or a predetermined number of times. For example, any number of indicators or weights may be specified within a predetermined period, or any number of indicators or weights may be specified for platooning within a predetermined period, or multiple levels of flat-rate payment plans may be provided. In this case, upper limits may be set for the number of indicators that can be specified, the number of weights that can be specified, the number of times that they can be specified, etc. Furthermore, various flat-rate payment plans may be provided, such as a free membership plan, a basic membership plan, a premium membership plan, etc.

[0125] Furthermore, in an auction payment format, the wishes of the user who paid the highest value are given top priority, and it is advisable to avoid coexistence of this auction payment format with other payment formats, such as a pay-per-use format or a flat-rate payment format. In an auction payment format, a predetermined value is bid for desired content, such as an index or weight. The desired content that is bid with the highest value and won is adopted as the proposed formation pattern for the platooning. The wishes of other users, i.e., users other than the user who paid the highest value, are not considered, and no charges are incurred for that user.

[0126] Furthermore, for users who do not pay the specified value, if the proposed platooning plan reflects their preferences to a certain extent, they can participate in the platooning using that platooning plan by approving the proposed platooning plan. Note that, if a user who does not pay the specified value does not sufficiently reflect their preferences in the proposed platooning plan, they can simply not approve or reject the platooning plan.

[0127] Furthermore, the center device 200 may first create a formation composition plan based on the collected information, and then reflect the wishes of the users who have provided a predetermined value in the formation composition plan.

[0128] According to the present embodiment exemplified above, the center device 200 is configured to propose the organization pattern for which the index score has been calculated as a recommended organization pattern when the calculated index score satisfies a predetermined condition, and is configured to calculate index scores for at least two or more indicators, and when at least two or more index scores satisfy a predetermined condition, to propose the organization pattern for which the index score has been calculated as a recommended organization pattern.

[0129] According to this configuration example, a formation pattern calculated based on at least two or more indices can be proposed as a recommended formation pattern, making it easier to propose a formation pattern that reflects the wishes of participants in or wishing to participate in platooning. This makes it possible to avoid losing incentives to join platooning even when a wide variety of vehicles are participating in platooning, and also improves the usability of platooning.

[0130] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, in the organization pattern proposing step, the center device 200 is configured to propose, as a recommended organization pattern, an organization pattern for which the index score has been calculated when the sum of at least two or more index scores is the largest and the difference between at least two or more index scores is the smallest. That is, in this embodiment, the center device 200 proposes, as a recommended organization pattern, an organization pattern calculated based on at least two or more indexes. In this way, by proposing, as a recommended organization pattern, an organization pattern for which the sum of at least two or more index scores is the largest and the difference between at least two or more index scores is the smallest, it is possible to propose a more optimal organization pattern based on at least two or more indexes.

[0131] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, in the organization pattern proposing step, if the sum of at least two or more index scores is the largest and the difference between at least two or more index scores is the smallest, the center device 200 is configured to acquire the organization pattern for which the index scores are calculated as a quasi-optimal solution or an optimal solution in the combinatorial optimization process, and to propose the organization pattern for which the quasi-optimal solution or the optimal solution is acquired as a recommended organization pattern. By selecting a recommended organization pattern using an algorithm for searching for such an optimal combination solution, it is possible to propose an even more optimal organization pattern.

[0132] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the center device 200 is configured to be able to execute an information classification step of classifying the information collected in the information collection step into a target information group that may be used to form a formation and a non-target information group that may not be used to form a formation. The center device 200 also includes the information classification step between the information collection step and the index score calculation step. In the index score calculation step, the center device 200 is configured to extract, as index factors, information included in a predetermined index from the target information group, and calculate the score of the index as the index score based on the extracted index factors.

[0133] According to this configuration example, the vehicle population can be narrowed down to target information groups that have the potential to form a platoon, and then the index score can be calculated. This makes it possible to prevent unnecessary processing from being performed on non-target information groups that have no potential to form a platoon, and allows the index score to be calculated more efficiently and quickly.

[0134] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the center device 200 is configured to grant a predetermined right to a participant or a person wishing to participate who provides a predetermined value. According to this configuration example, participants or people wishing to participate in platooning can reflect their own preferences in the platooning formation pattern by providing a predetermined value. This makes it possible to further prevent the incentive to join platooning from being lost, even when a wide variety of vehicles are participating in platooning, and also to further improve the usability of platooning.

[0135] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the center device 200 is configured to grant a predetermined right to a participant or a person wishing to participate who has provided a predetermined value, the right to select at least two or more indices in the index score calculation step. According to this configuration example, by providing a predetermined value, a participant or a person wishing to participate in the platooning can obtain an organization pattern calculated based on indices that reflect their preferences.

[0136] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the center device 200 is configured to grant a participant or a person wishing to participate who has provided a predetermined value a predetermined right to have their desired conditions reflected in the recommended organization pattern proposed by the organization pattern proposing step. According to this configuration example, by providing a predetermined value, a participant or a person wishing to participate in platooning can obtain an organization pattern calculated based on indicators that reflect their own wishes.

[0137] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the center device 200 is configured to grant a predetermined right to a participant or a person wishing to participate who has provided a predetermined value, to include information reflecting the participant's desired conditions in the information collected in the information collection step. According to this configuration example, by providing a predetermined value, a participant or a person wishing to participate in the platooning can obtain an organization pattern calculated based on information reflecting the participant's wishes.

[0138] Note that this embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and modifications and extensions may be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the system 100 for proposing a platooning formation pattern, communication between the center device 200 and the vehicles 300 may be performed via another device. The other device may be, for example, a vehicle dispatch server installed in a vehicle dispatch center. Furthermore, the system 100 for proposing a platooning formation pattern may be configured as a system in which multiple devices are connected to each other for communication, or as a system in which the system 100 is configured within a single device. The system 100 for proposing a platooning formation pattern may be configured by the vehicle control unit 301 of the vehicle 300 without using the center device 200. Alternatively, the center device 200 may perform part of the process for proposing a platooning formation pattern, and the vehicle control unit 301 may perform the rest. Furthermore, the vehicle control units 301 of multiple vehicles 300 may be configured to share the process for proposing a platooning formation pattern.

[0139] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments or structures. The present disclosure also encompasses various modifications and modifications within the scope of equivalents. In addition, various combinations and forms, as well as other combinations and forms including only one element, more than one element, or less than one element, are also within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

[0140] The controller and methods described herein may be implemented by a special-purpose computer configured with a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions embodied in a computer program. Alternatively, the controller and methods described herein may be implemented by a special-purpose computer configured with a processor comprising one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits. Alternatively, the controller and methods described herein may be implemented by one or more special-purpose computers configured with a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions in combination with a processor configured with one or more hardware logic circuits. Furthermore, the computer program may be stored in a computer-readable non-transitory tangible storage medium as instructions executed by a computer.

[0141] Furthermore, the present disclosure includes the following inventions in addition to the inventions described in the claims. [Claim 1] A method for proposing a platooning formation pattern for proposing a formation pattern for platooning when a plurality of vehicles (300) are platooned, an information collection step (A2) of collecting information regarding the knitting pattern; an index score calculation step (B2) of extracting information included in a predetermined index from the information collected by the information collection step as an index factor, and calculating a score of the index as an index score based on the extracted index factor; an organization pattern proposing step (A6) of proposing the organization pattern for which the index score has been calculated as a recommended organization pattern when the index score calculated by the index score calculation step satisfies a predetermined condition; Including, In the index score calculation step, the index scores are calculated for at least two or more indexes, In the formation pattern proposing step, if at least two or more of the index scores satisfy predetermined conditions, the formation pattern for which the index scores are calculated is proposed as a recommended formation pattern. [Claim 2] The method for proposing a platooning formation pattern as described in claim 1, wherein in the formation pattern proposing step, if the sum of at least two or more of the index scores is maximum and the difference between at least two or more of the index scores is minimum, the formation pattern for which the index score is calculated is proposed as a recommended formation pattern. [Claim 3] The method for proposing a platooning formation pattern according to claim 1, wherein in the formation pattern proposing step, if the sum of at least two or more of the index scores is maximum and the difference between at least two or more of the index scores is minimum, the formation pattern for which the index score is calculated is obtained as a solution in the combinatorial optimization process, and the formation pattern for which the solution is obtained is proposed as a recommended formation pattern. [Claim 4] As the indices, a fuel efficiency index that prioritizes improving fuel efficiency, a desire index that prioritizes the desired conditions of the vehicles participating in the platooning, a labor cost index that prioritizes reducing labor costs required to execute the platooning, and a safety index that prioritizes safety during the execution of the platooning are set, 4. A method for proposing a platooning formation pattern according to claim 1, wherein the index score calculation step calculates the index score for at least two or more of the fuel efficiency index, the desired index, the labor cost index, and the safety index. [Claim 5] An information classification step (A3) is included between the information collection step and the index score calculation step, in which the information collected by the information collection step is classified into a target information group that may form a formation and a non-target information group that may not form a formation, 5. A method for proposing a platooning formation pattern according to claim 1, wherein in the index score calculation step, information contained in a predetermined index from the target information group is extracted as an index factor, and a score of the index is calculated as an index score based on the extracted index factor. [Claim 6] A platooning formation pattern suggestion device (200) that suggests a formation pattern for platooning when a plurality of vehicles (300) are used for platooning, an information collection unit (210) that collects information related to the organization pattern; an index score calculation unit (211) that extracts information included in a predetermined index from the information collected by the information collection unit as an index factor and calculates a score of the index as an index score based on the extracted index factor; an organization pattern proposal unit (212) that proposes the organization pattern for which the index score has been calculated as a recommended organization pattern when the index score calculated by the index score calculation unit satisfies a predetermined condition; Including, the index score calculation unit calculates the index scores for at least two or more indexes; The formation pattern proposal unit is a device for proposing a formation pattern for platooning that proposes the formation pattern for which the index score is calculated as a recommended formation pattern when at least two or more of the index scores satisfy predetermined conditions. [Claim 7] A platooning formation pattern suggestion system (100) that suggests a formation pattern for platooning when a plurality of vehicles (300) are used for platooning, an information collection unit (210) that collects information related to the organization pattern; an index score calculation unit (211) that extracts information included in a predetermined index from the information collected by the information collection unit as an index factor and calculates a score of the index as an index score based on the extracted index factor; an organization pattern proposal unit (212) that proposes the organization pattern for which the index score has been calculated as a recommended organization pattern when the index score calculated by the index score calculation unit satisfies a predetermined condition; Including, the index score calculation unit calculates the index scores for at least two or more indexes; The formation pattern proposal unit is a system for proposing formation patterns for platooning that proposes the formation pattern for which the index scores are calculated as a recommended formation pattern when at least two of the index scores satisfy predetermined conditions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] In the drawing, 100 indicates a platooning formation pattern proposal system, 200 indicates a center device (platooning formation pattern proposal device), 210 indicates an information collection processing unit (information collection unit), 211 indicates an index score calculation processing unit (index score calculation unit), 212 indicates a formation pattern proposal processing unit (formation pattern proposal unit), and 300 indicates a vehicle.

Claims

1. A method for proposing a platooning formation pattern using a platooning formation pattern proposing device that proposes a formation pattern for platooning when a plurality of vehicles (300) travel in a platoon, an information collection step (A2) in which the platooning formation pattern proposing device collects information regarding the formation pattern; an index score calculation step (B2) in which the device for proposing a platooning traveling formation pattern extracts, as an index factor, information included in a predetermined index from the information collected in the information collection step, and calculates a score of the index as an index score based on the extracted index factor; a formation pattern proposing step (A6) in which, when the index score calculated in the index score calculation step satisfies a predetermined condition, the platooning formation pattern proposing device proposes the formation pattern for which the index score has been calculated as a recommended formation pattern; Including, In the index score calculation step, the platooning formation pattern proposing device calculates the index scores for at least two or more indicators, In the formation pattern proposing step, the formation pattern proposing device proposes the formation pattern for which the index score is calculated as a recommended formation pattern if the sum of at least two or more of the index scores is maximum and the difference between at least two or more of the index scores is minimum.

2. The method for proposing a platooning formation pattern according to claim 1, wherein in the formation pattern proposing step, if the sum of at least two or more of the index scores is maximum and the difference between at least two or more of the index scores is minimum, the device for proposing a platooning formation pattern acquires the formation pattern for which the index score is calculated as a solution in the combinatorial optimization process, and proposes the formation pattern for which the solution is acquired as a recommended formation pattern.

3. As the indices, a fuel efficiency index that prioritizes improving fuel efficiency, a desire index that prioritizes the desired conditions of the vehicles participating in the platooning, a labor cost index that prioritizes reducing labor costs required to execute the platooning, and a safety index that prioritizes safety during the execution of the platooning are set, 2. The method for proposing a platooning formation pattern according to claim 1, wherein in the index score calculation step, the platooning formation pattern proposal device calculates the index score for at least two or more of the fuel efficiency index, the desired index, the labor cost index, and the safety index.

4. The device for proposing a platoon driving formation pattern includes, between the information collection step and the index score calculation step, an information classification step (A3) for classifying the information collected by the information collection step into a target information group that may form a platoon and a non-target information group that may not form a platoon, The method for proposing a platooning formation pattern described in claim 1, wherein in the index score calculation step, the device for proposing a platooning formation pattern extracts information contained in a predetermined index from the group of target information as an index factor, and calculates a score of the index as an index score based on the extracted index factor.

5. A platooning formation pattern suggestion device (200) that suggests a formation pattern for platooning when a plurality of vehicles (300) travel in a platoon, an information collection unit (210) that collects information related to the organization pattern; an index score calculation unit (211) that extracts information included in a predetermined index from the information collected by the information collection unit as an index factor and calculates a score of the index as an index score based on the extracted index factor; an organization pattern proposal unit (212) that proposes the organization pattern for which the index score has been calculated as a recommended organization pattern when the index score calculated by the index score calculation unit satisfies a predetermined condition; Including, the index score calculation unit calculates the index scores for at least two or more indexes; The formation pattern proposal unit is a platooning formation pattern proposal device that proposes the formation pattern for which the index score is calculated as a recommended formation pattern when the sum of at least two or more of the index scores is maximum and the difference between at least two or more of the index scores is minimum.

6. A platooning formation pattern suggestion system (100) that suggests a formation pattern for platooning when a plurality of vehicles (300) are used for platooning, an information collection unit (210) that collects information related to the organization pattern; an index score calculation unit (211) that extracts information included in a predetermined index from the information collected by the information collection unit as an index factor and calculates a score of the index as an index score based on the extracted index factor; an organization pattern proposal unit (212) that proposes the organization pattern for which the index score has been calculated as a recommended organization pattern when the index score calculated by the index score calculation unit satisfies a predetermined condition; Including, the index score calculation unit calculates the index scores for at least two or more indexes; The formation pattern proposal unit is a system for proposing a convoy driving formation pattern that proposes the formation pattern for which the index score is calculated as a recommended formation pattern if the sum of at least two or more of the index scores is maximum and the difference between at least two or more of the index scores is minimum.

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