Information processing device

Abstract

To suppress traffic congestion.SOLUTION: A control unit of an information processing device discriminates whether or not speed of a first vehicle traveling the head of a motorcade constituted of a predetermined number of vehicles or more or with predetermined length or longer is predetermined speed or lower. Then, the control unit of the information processing device outputs notification information for performing notification for guiding a user of the first vehicle to stop traveling the head of the motorcade when the speed of the first vehicle is the predetermined speed or lower.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a driving support device mounted on a vehicle to support a driver's driving. The driving support device disclosed in Patent Document 1 detects other following vehicles traveling behind the host vehicle. The driving support device also detects the speed of the host vehicle. The driving support device determines the approach of the following vehicle to the host vehicle based on the distance between the following vehicle and the host vehicle and the speed of the host vehicle. Then, when the driving support device determines the approach of the following vehicle to the host vehicle, it notifies the driver.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] This disclosure aims to suppress traffic congestion.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The information processing apparatus according to this disclosure determines whether the speed of a first vehicle traveling at the head of a vehicle platoon composed of a predetermined number or more of vehicles or having a length of a predetermined length or more is less than or equal to a predetermined speed, and when the speed of the first vehicle is less than or equal to the predetermined speed, outputs notification information for notifying the user of the first vehicle to stop traveling at the head of the vehicle platoon. and includes a control unit that executes the above.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure can help reduce traffic congestion. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a schematic configuration of the notification system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of a situation when a vehicle is traveling on a road. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the functional configuration of an in-vehicle device and a management server. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the table structure of road information held in a road information database. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the table structure of facility information held in the facility information database. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart of the first process performed by the control unit in the management server. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart of the second process performed by the control unit in the management server. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Assume that the first vehicle is traveling at the front of a convoy at a speed that obstructs the movement of following vehicles. As a result, following vehicles traveling behind the first vehicle may be unable to overtake it, causing the first vehicle to become a cause of traffic congestion. The information processing device according to this disclosure solves such problems.

[0009] The control unit of the information processing device relating to this disclosure determines whether the speed of the first vehicle, which is traveling at the front of a convoy consisting of a predetermined number of vehicles or a predetermined length, is below a predetermined speed. If the speed of the first vehicle is below the predetermined speed, the control unit of the information processing device outputs notification information. Here, the notification information is information for notifying the user of the first vehicle to stop traveling at the front of the convoy.

[0010] As explained above, when the first vehicle is traveling at a predetermined speed or below at the front of a convoy with a predetermined number of vehicles or length exceeding a predetermined value, the information processing device outputs notification information. This guides the user of the first vehicle to stop traveling at the front of the convoy. As a result, it becomes possible to reduce traffic congestion.

[0011] The following describes specific embodiments of this disclosure with reference to the drawings. The dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in these embodiments are not intended to limit the technical scope of this disclosure to those unless otherwise specified.

[0012] <First Embodiment> (System Overview) The notification system 1 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the notification system 1. The notification system 1 consists of an in-vehicle device 100 and a management server 200. In the notification system 1, the in-vehicle device 100 and the management server 200 are interconnected by a network N1. The network N1 may be, for example, a wide area network (WAN), such as the internet, or a telephone communication network such as a mobile phone network.

[0013] (In-vehicle device) The in-vehicle device 100 is a device mounted on the vehicle 10. The in-vehicle device 100 provides various information to the user (driver) of the vehicle 10. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the situation when the vehicle 10 is traveling on a road. FIG. 2 shows a situation where a plurality of vehicles 10 are traveling on a one-lane road on one side. In the example shown in FIG. 2, a vehicle train is formed by a plurality of vehicles 10 (vehicle 10A, vehicle 10B, vehicle 10C, and vehicle 10D). Also, in the adjacent lane where vehicle 10A is traveling, vehicle 10E is traveling in the opposite direction to vehicle 10A.

[0014] Also, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle 10A traveling at the head of the vehicle train is traveling at a speed that hinders the travel of the subsequent vehicles 10 (vehicle 10B, vehicle 10C, and vehicle 10D). Then, when the lane on which the plurality of vehicles 10 are traveling is a no-overtaking lane, vehicles 10B, 10C, and 10D cannot overtake or pass vehicle 10A, and vehicle 10A may cause traffic congestion.

[0015] Therefore, the in-vehicle device 100 mounted on the vehicle 10A gives a notice to induce the user of the vehicle 10A to stop traveling at the head of the vehicle train. Here, stopping traveling at the head of the vehicle train includes visiting a place different from the destination on the way to the destination. Also, stopping traveling at the head of the vehicle train includes increasing the speed and leaving the vehicle train. Also, stopping traveling at the head of the vehicle train includes yielding the road to the subsequent vehicles (vehicle 10B, vehicle 10C, and vehicle 10D). Details of the method by which the in-vehicle device 100 mounted on the vehicle 10A gives a notice to induce the user of the vehicle 10A to stop traveling at the head of the vehicle train will be described later. Details of the method of giving a notice to induce the user of the vehicle 10A to stop traveling at the head of the vehicle train will be described later.

[0016] (Management server) The management server 200 is a server that manages the running of the vehicle 10. The management server 200 receives, via the network N1, information indicating the current position of the vehicle 10 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "position information") from the in-vehicle device 100. Here, the management server 200 periodically receives position information about the current position of each vehicle 10 from the in-vehicle device 100 mounted on each vehicle 10. Based on the position information received from each in-vehicle device 100, the management server 200 can determine whether a vehicle queue is formed on the road.

[0017] The management server 200 determines whether the vehicle 10 is traveling at the head of a vehicle queue composed of a predetermined number or more of vehicles 10 and whether the vehicle 10 is traveling at a speed below a predetermined speed. Here, the predetermined number is the number of vehicles that can be determined to be obstructing a smooth traffic flow. Different numbers may be set depending on the road (road section). Also, the predetermined speed is a speed at which it can be determined that the vehicle 10 is interfering with the running of the subsequent vehicle 10 when the vehicle 10 is traveling at the head of the vehicle queue. Different speeds may be set depending on the road (road section).

[0018] Then, when the speed of the vehicle 10 traveling at the head of a vehicle queue composed of a predetermined number or more of vehicles is below the predetermined speed, the management server 200 outputs notification information to the in-vehicle device 100 mounted on the vehicle 10. Here, the notification information is information for giving a notification to induce the user of the vehicle 10 to stop traveling at the head of the vehicle queue. The method by which the management server 200 outputs the notification information to the in-vehicle device 100 and the details of its content will be described later.

[0019] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the management server 200 determines whether or not vehicle 10 is traveling at the front of a convoy consisting of a predetermined number of vehicles or more. However, the management server 200 does not necessarily have to determine whether or not vehicle 10 is traveling at the front of a convoy consisting of a predetermined number of vehicles or more. For example, the management server 200 may determine whether or not vehicle 10 is traveling at the front of a convoy of a predetermined length or longer. When the speed of vehicle 10 traveling at the front of a convoy of a predetermined length or longer is below a predetermined speed, the management server 200 outputs notification information to the on-board device 100 installed in vehicle 10.

[0020] The management server 200 is comprised of a computer having a processor 210, a main memory unit 220, an auxiliary memory unit 230, and a communication interface (communication I / F) 240. The processor 210 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The main memory unit 220 is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory). The auxiliary memory unit 230 is, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory). Alternatively, the auxiliary memory unit 230 may be, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or a disk recording medium such as a CD-ROM, DVD disc, or Blu-ray disc. The auxiliary memory unit 230 may also be removable media (portable storage medium). Here, examples of removable media include, for example, a USB memory stick or an SD card. The communication I / F 240 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) interface board, or a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication.

[0021] In the management server 200, the auxiliary storage unit 230 stores the operating system (OS), various programs, and various information tables. Furthermore, in the management server 200, the processor 210 stores the programs stored in the auxiliary storage unit 230 in the main memory. By loading and executing the data into unit 220, various functions as described later can be realized. However, some or all of the functions of the management server 200 may be realized by hardware circuits such as ASICs or FPGAs. The management server 200 does not necessarily have to be realized by a single physical configuration, but may be composed of multiple computers cooperating with each other. The in-vehicle device 100 is also configured to include a computer, similar to the management server 200.

[0022] (Functional Configuration) Next, the functional configuration of the in-vehicle device 100 and the management server 200 that constitute the notification system 1 will be explained based on Figures 3 to 5. Figure 3 is a block diagram that schematically shows an example of the functional configuration of the in-vehicle device 100 and the management server 200.

[0023] (In-vehicle device) The in-vehicle device 100 comprises a control unit 101, a communication unit 102, a location acquisition unit 103, a route acquisition unit 104, and a notification unit 105. The control unit 101 has the function of performing calculation processing for controlling the in-vehicle device 100. The control unit 101 can be implemented by the processor in the in-vehicle device 100. The communication unit 102 has the function of connecting the in-vehicle device 100 to the network N1. The communication unit 102 can be implemented by the communication interface in the in-vehicle device 100.

[0024] The position acquisition unit 103 has the function of acquiring the current position of the vehicle 10. The position acquisition unit 103 acquires the current position of the vehicle 10, for example, from the vehicle 10's GPS sensor. The control unit 101 acquires the current position of the vehicle 10 via the position acquisition unit 103 and generates position information. The control unit 101 periodically transmits the position information to the management server 200 via the communication unit 102. The position information transmitted to the management server 200 includes an identifier (vehicle ID) for identifying the vehicle 10.

[0025] The route acquisition unit 104 has the function of acquiring the planned route of the vehicle 10. The route acquisition unit 104 acquires the planned route of the vehicle 10 from, for example, the vehicle 10's car navigation system. The control unit 101 transmits route information, including the planned route of the vehicle 10, to the management server 200 via the communication unit 102. In this embodiment, the control unit 101 transmits route information to the management server 200 when requested by the management server 200.

[0026] The notification unit 105 has the function of notifying the user of the vehicle 10 of various information. The notification unit 105 can be implemented, for example, by a speaker in the vehicle 10. When the control unit 101 receives notification information, it causes the notification unit 105 to output sound to provide notification based on the notification information. Alternatively, the notification unit 105 may be implemented by a display in the vehicle 10. In this case, when the control unit 101 receives notification information via the communication unit 102, it causes the notification unit 105 to display the notification information to provide notification based on the notification information.

[0027] (Management Server) The management server 200 comprises a control unit 201, a communication unit 202, a road information database 203 (road information DB203), and a facility information database 204 (facility information DB204). The control unit 201 has the function of performing calculation processing for controlling the management server 200. The control unit 201 can be implemented by the processor 210 in the management server 200. The communication unit 202 has the function of connecting the management server 200 to the network N1. The communication unit 202 can be implemented by the communication I / F 240 in the in-vehicle device 100.

[0028] The Road Information DB 203 has the function of storing road information. The road information includes information on the arrangement of road sections in a given area and the number of lanes that each road section has. The road information also includes information on the traffic congestion situation in each road section. The Road Information DB 203 can be implemented by the auxiliary storage unit 230 of the management server 200. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the table structure of the road information stored in the Road Information DB 203.

[0029] As shown in Figure 4, road information includes a section ID field, a location field, a lane field, and a congestion field. The section ID field stores an identifier (section ID) for identifying a road section in a given area. The section ID field stores, for example, a link number associated with a road section (link). The location field stores location information for the nodes at both ends of the road section corresponding to the section ID stored in the section ID field. The location information stored in the location field is, for example, information indicating the latitude and longitude of the nodes at both ends of the road section.

[0030] The lane field stores information indicating the lanes a road section has. This information includes, for example, the number of lanes a road section has (number of driving lanes and passing lanes), or whether or not the road section has a climbing lane. The congestion field stores information indicating the congestion status of the road section corresponding to the section ID stored in the section ID field.

[0031] The facility information DB 204 has the function of storing facility information. Facility information is information that indicates the location and attributes of facilities in a given area. The facility information DB 204 can be implemented by the auxiliary storage unit 230 of the management server 200. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the table structure of facility information stored in the facility information DB 204.

[0032] As shown in Figure 5, facility information includes a facility ID field, a location field, and an attribute field. The facility ID field stores an identifier (facility ID) for identifying a facility in a given area. The location field contains location information for the facility corresponding to the facility ID stored in the facility ID field. The location information stored in the location field is, for example, information indicating the latitude and longitude of the location where the facility is located.

[0033] The control unit 201 receives location information of the vehicle 10 from the in-vehicle device 100 via the communication unit 202. The control unit 201 also obtains road information stored in the road information DB 203 from the road information DB 203. Based on the location information received from the vehicle 10 and the road information obtained from the road information DB 203, the control unit 201 identifies the road section on which the vehicle 10 is currently traveling.

[0034] Furthermore, the control unit 201 periodically receives location information from multiple vehicles 10 via the communication unit 202. Based on the location information of the multiple vehicles 10 and the road information held in the road information DB 203, the control unit 201 determines whether or not the multiple vehicles 10 form a convoy. Specifically, based on the location information of the multiple vehicles 10, the control unit 201 identifies the road section on which the multiple vehicles 10 are currently traveling. The control unit 201 determines that a convoy is formed by multiple vehicles 10 if there are multiple vehicles 10 traveling in the same lane on a single road section or multiple connected road sections where the distance between them is less than or equal to a predetermined distance. Here, based on the location information of each vehicle 10, the control unit 201 identifies the lane on which each vehicle 10 is traveling. Then, the control unit 201 determines whether or not the convoy is formed by a predetermined number of vehicles 10 or more.

[0035] In addition, the control unit 201 may determine whether the convoy is of a predetermined length or longer, instead of determining whether the number of vehicles in the convoy is greater than or equal to a predetermined number. In this case, the control unit 201 will The length of a convoy formed by multiple vehicles 10 traveling in the same lane on a single road section or multiple connected road sections, where the distance between vehicles is less than or equal to a predetermined distance, is obtained. The length of the convoy is calculated, for example, based on the distance between vehicles 10 traveling in the same lane on a single road section or multiple connected road sections.

[0036] Furthermore, the control unit 201 identifies the vehicle 10 that is leading the convoy (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "leading vehicle 10") from among the multiple vehicles 10 that make up the convoy, based on the vehicle ID of each vehicle 10 included in the location information. Based on the change in the location information of the leading vehicle 10, the control unit 201 determines whether the speed of the leading vehicle 10 is below a predetermined speed. The control unit 201 may also receive the running speed of the leading vehicle 10 along with the location information from the onboard device 100 of the leading vehicle 10. If the control unit 201 determines that the speed of the leading vehicle 10 is below a predetermined speed, it retrieves the facility information stored in the facility information DB 204.

[0037] The control unit 201 identifies one or more facilities located within a predetermined range from the current location of the lead vehicle 10, based on the acquired facility information and the current location of the lead vehicle 10. The control unit 201 also identifies a facility from among the identified one or more facilities where the vehicle 10 can be parked. Specifically, the control unit 201 identifies facilities located within a predetermined range from the lead vehicle 10 based on the location information of the facilities stored in the location field of the facility information. The control unit 201 also identifies a facility where the vehicle 10 can be parked based on the attribute field of the facility information. Here, a facility where the vehicle 10 can be parked (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "specified facility") is, for example, a driver's rest facility with a parking lot, or a store such as a convenience store. If there are multiple facilities where the vehicle 10 can be parked, the control unit 201 identifies the facility closest to the current location of the lead vehicle 10 as the specified facility.

[0038] When the control unit 201 identifies a specific facility, it generates notification information and outputs it to the on-board device 100 installed in the lead vehicle 10 via the communication unit 202. The notification information generated at this time is information suggesting that the user of the lead vehicle 10 visit the specific facility. The notification information may also be information suggesting that the user of the lead vehicle 10 visit the specific facility and take a break.

[0039] As a result, the notification unit 105 in the onboard device 100 installed in the lead vehicle 10 notifies the user of the lead vehicle 10 of the notification information. Here, the notification unit 105 in the onboard device 100 installed in the lead vehicle 10 notifies the user of the lead vehicle 10 that it is advising them to visit a specific facility. This prompts the user of the lead vehicle 10 to change their route in order to visit the specific facility. As a result, the user of the lead vehicle 10 can be prompted to leave the lead vehicle 10 from the train.

[0040] Furthermore, when generating notification information, the control unit 201 sends first request information to the on-board device 100 of the lead vehicle 10 to request that it transmit route information. Based on the route information received from the on-board device 100 of the lead vehicle 10 and the road information held in the road information DB 203, the control unit 201 checks whether or not there is traffic congestion on the lead vehicle 10's planned route. If there is traffic congestion on the lead vehicle 10's planned route, the control unit 201 generates notification information suggesting, for example, that the lead vehicle should take a short break at a specific facility because it is expected to be caught in traffic congestion. Alternatively, the generated notification information may suggest visiting a specific facility and changing the route to the destination. In this way, the control unit 201 determines the content of the notification information depending on whether or not there is traffic congestion on the lead vehicle 10's planned route. By providing the user of the lead vehicle 10 with a reason to visit a specific facility, it becomes easier to guide them to stop driving at the front of the convoy.

[0041] (First flowchart) Next, the first process executed by the control unit 201 in the management server 200 in the notification system 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a flowchart of the first process executed by the control unit 201 in the management server 200. The first process shown in Figure 6 is executed repeatedly at a predetermined cycle.

[0042] In the first process, first, in S101, location information received from multiple vehicles 10 is acquired. Next, in S102, road information is acquired from the road information DB 203. Then, in S103, it is determined whether or not a convoy of vehicles exists within a predetermined area based on the location information of the multiple vehicles and the road information. If a negative determination is made in S103, it means that no convoy of vehicles exists within the predetermined area. Therefore, the first process is terminated.

[0043] If the result in S103 is positive, then in S104, it is determined whether the convoy consists of a predetermined number of vehicles or more. If the result in S104 is negative, then since there is no convoy of a predetermined number of vehicles or more within the predetermined area, the first process is terminated.

[0044] If a positive determination is made in S104, in S105, the leading vehicle 10 is identified from among the multiple vehicles 10 that make up the convoy based on the position information of the multiple vehicles 10. Next, in S106, it is determined whether the speed of the leading vehicle 10 is below a predetermined speed. If a negative determination is made in S106, it can be inferred that even if the leading vehicle 10 is traveling at the front of the convoy, it is not traveling at a speed that would obstruct the movement of the following vehicles 10. Therefore, the first process is terminated.

[0045] If a positive result is obtained in S106, it can be inferred that the leading vehicle 10 is obstructing the movement of the following vehicle 10. Therefore, if a positive result is obtained in S106, the first process is not terminated, and the process in S107 is executed. In S107, facility information is obtained from the facility information DB204. Next, in S108, a specific facility is identified based on the position information of the leading vehicle 10 and the facility information.

[0046] Next, in S109, the first request information is transmitted to the on-board device 100 of the lead vehicle 10, and route information is received from the on-board device 100. Then, in S109, it is confirmed whether or not there is congestion on the lead vehicle 10's planned route based on the route information and the road information held in the road information DB 203. Next, in S110, notification information to suggest a visit to a specific facility to the user of the lead vehicle 10 is output to the on-board device 100 of the lead vehicle 10. At this time, different notification information is output to the on-board device 100 of the lead vehicle 10 depending on whether or not there is congestion on the lead vehicle 10's planned route. Then, the first process is temporarily terminated.

[0047] As explained above, when the lead vehicle 10 is traveling at a predetermined speed or below at the front of a convoy of a predetermined number of vehicles or more, the notification system 1 outputs notification information to the on-board device 100 of the lead vehicle 10. This results in a notification being sent to the user of the lead vehicle 10 suggesting that they visit a specific facility, and the user of the lead vehicle 10 is encouraged to visit the specific facility. Therefore, it is possible to encourage the user of the lead vehicle 10 to move the lead vehicle 10 away from the convoy, and to encourage the lead vehicle 10 to not be traveling at the front of the convoy. As a result, traffic congestion can be reduced.

[0048] (Variation 1) In this embodiment, the management server 200 determines whether a convoy exists and whether the number of vehicles in the convoy exceeds a predetermined number, based on the location information and road information of multiple vehicles 10. In this modified example, the on-board device 100 determines whether a convoy exists and whether the convoy consists of more than a predetermined number of vehicles.

[0049] In this modified example, the control unit 101 determines whether or not another vehicle 10 is present in front of vehicle 10 based on a video image captured by a camera located in front of vehicle 10 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "front camera"). The control unit 101 also determines whether or not another vehicle 10 is present behind vehicle 10 based on a video image captured by a camera located behind vehicle 10 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "rear camera"). The control unit 101 can determine that vehicle 10 is traveling at the front of a convoy if no other vehicle 10 is captured in the video image captured by the front camera, and other vehicle 10 is captured in the video image captured by the rear camera.

[0050] Furthermore, the control unit 101 determines the number of other vehicles 10 traveling behind vehicle 10 and the length of the convoy of other vehicles 10 based on the moving image captured by the rear camera. However, there are cases where the rear camera cannot capture the convoy of vehicles traveling behind vehicle 10. In such cases, for example, when vehicle 10 is traveling on a curve, the rear camera can capture the convoy of vehicles formed behind vehicle 10. Also, for example, when vehicle 10 is traveling on a slope, the rear camera can capture the convoy of vehicles formed behind vehicle 10.

[0051] Furthermore, the on-board device 100 may determine that vehicle 10 is traveling at the front of a convoy consisting of a predetermined number of vehicles or more by means other than the video images captured by the front and rear cameras. The on-board device 100 may, for example, use a communication device that can communicate with surrounding vehicles to determine the number of other vehicles 10 traveling behind vehicle 10. In addition, the on-board device 100 may determine that vehicle 10 is traveling at the front of a convoy if vehicle-to-vehicle communication with other vehicles 10 traveling in front of vehicle 10 is not possible.

[0052] When vehicle 10 is traveling at the front of a convoy, the control unit 101 obtains the travel speed of vehicle 10 from the electronic unit that controls the movement of vehicle 10. When the control unit 101 determines that the travel speed of vehicle 10 obtained from the electronic unit is a predetermined speed, it outputs notification information to the notification unit 105.

[0053] Here, if the in-vehicle device 100 is configured to include a facility information database, the control unit 101 identifies a specific facility and outputs notification information suggesting a visit to that facility. If the in-vehicle device 100 is not configured to include a facility information database, the control unit 101 transmits the identification information to the management server 200 via the communication unit 102. Here, the identification information is information indicating that vehicle 10 is traveling at a predetermined speed or less at the front of a convoy consisting of a predetermined number of vehicles or more. This allows the management server 200 to identify the in-vehicle device 100 that transmitted the identification information as a target for notification information output. Then, based on the facility information and road information, the management server 200 outputs notification information to the in-vehicle device 100 that transmitted the identification information. In this way, traffic congestion can be suppressed.

[0054] <Second Embodiment> In the first embodiment, the management server 200 outputs notification information to the onboard device 100 of the lead vehicle 10, suggesting that the lead vehicle 10 visit a specific facility, based on the lead vehicle 10's current location and facility information. However, the notification information transmitted by the management server 200 does not necessarily have to be information suggesting that the lead vehicle 10 visit a specific facility. In this embodiment, if the management server 200 determines, based on road information, that it is possible to change the lane the lead vehicle 10 is traveling in, it will prompt the lead vehicle 10 to change the lane it is traveling in. The system outputs notification information to the user of vehicle 10. Only the differences from the embodiment are described below.

[0055] Assume that the lead vehicle 10 is traveling at a predetermined speed or less at the front of a convoy consisting of a predetermined number of vehicles or more. In this case, the control unit 201 determines whether the road section on which the lead vehicle 10 is traveling has multiple lanes, based on the road information held in the road information DB 203. Specifically, the control unit 201 determines whether the lane on which the lead vehicle 10 is traveling has multiple lanes, based on the information indicating the lanes that the road section has, stored in the lane field of the road information. If the control unit 201 determines that the lane on which the lead vehicle 10 is traveling has multiple lanes, it generates notification information and outputs the notification information to the on-board device 100 of the lead vehicle 10.

[0056] Here, the notification information generated by the control unit 201 is information to prompt the user of the lead vehicle 10 to change the lane in which the lead vehicle 10 is traveling. At this time, if the road section in which the lead vehicle 10 is traveling has two lanes, an overtaking lane and a driving lane, the control unit 201 generates notification information to the user of the lead vehicle 10 suggesting that it move to either the overtaking lane or the driving lane. Also, if the road section in which the lead vehicle 10 is traveling has a climbing lane, the control unit 201 generates notification information to the user of the lead vehicle 10 suggesting that it move to the climbing lane. Based on the notification information received from the management server 200, the onboard device 100 of the lead vehicle 10 sends a notification to the user of the lead vehicle 10 prompting it to change the lane in which the lead vehicle 10 is traveling.

[0057] (Second flowchart) Next, the second process executed by the control unit 201 in the management server 200 in the notification system 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a flowchart of the second process executed by the control unit 201 in the management server 200. The second process shown in Figure 7 is executed repeatedly at a predetermined cycle. The processes S101 to S106 in the second process shown in Figure 7 are the same as the processes S101 to S106 in the first process shown in Figure 6, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0058] In the second process, if a positive determination is made in S106, the process in S201 is executed. In S201, it is determined whether the lane in which the lead vehicle 10 is traveling has multiple lanes, based on the road information held in the road information DB203. If a negative determination is made in S201, the lead vehicle 10 cannot change lanes. Therefore, the second process is terminated.

[0059] If a positive result is obtained in S201, the lead vehicle 10 can change lanes. Therefore, in S202, notification information prompting the user of the lead vehicle 10 to change the lane it is currently traveling in is output to the onboard device 100 of the lead vehicle 10. Then, the second process is temporarily terminated.

[0060] In this embodiment, the notification system 1 outputs notification information when the lead vehicle 10 is traveling at a predetermined speed or below at the front of a convoy consisting of a predetermined number of vehicles or more, and the lane in which the lead vehicle 10 is traveling has multiple lanes. As a result, the user of the lead vehicle 10 may change the lane in which the lead vehicle 10 is traveling, thereby stopping it from leading the convoy formed by multiple vehicles 10. Consequently, traffic congestion can be reduced.

[0061] (Modification 2) In the second embodiment, the leading vehicle 10 is at the front of a train consisting of a predetermined number or more vehicles. In a situation where the lead vehicle 10 is traveling at a predetermined speed or below, notification information is output if the lane in which the lead vehicle 10 is traveling has multiple lanes. On the other hand, in this modified example, in a situation where the lead vehicle 10 is traveling at a predetermined speed or below at the front of a convoy consisting of a predetermined number of vehicles or more, notification information is output if the fuel or traction battery of the lead vehicle 10 is below a predetermined level. The notification information output in this modified example is information suggesting to the user of the lead vehicle 10 that the lead vehicle 10 refuel or charge its traction battery. Below, only the differences from the second embodiment will be explained.

[0062] Assume that the lead vehicle 10 is traveling at a predetermined speed or less at the front of a train consisting of a predetermined number of vehicles or more. In this case, the control unit 201 transmits second request information to the on-board device 100 of the lead vehicle 10 via the communication unit 202. The second request information is information requesting that the management server 200 transmit remaining fuel or battery level information of the lead vehicle 10. By transmitting the second request information, the control unit 201 receives the remaining level information from the on-board device 100. As a result, the control unit 201 can determine the remaining fuel or battery level of the vehicle 10.

[0063] The control unit 201 determines, based on the remaining amount information, whether the fuel or battery of the lead vehicle 10 is below a predetermined level. If the control unit 201 determines that the fuel or battery of the lead vehicle 10 is below a predetermined level, it outputs notification information to the on-board device 100 of the lead vehicle 10 via the communication unit 202. The predetermined level is set as a level suitable for refueling or charging the battery of the vehicle 10.

[0064] In this modified example, instead of the process at S201 in the second flowchart shown in Figure 7, the process involves sending the second request information to the on-board device 100 of the lead vehicle 10 and determining whether the lead vehicle 10's fuel or battery level is below a predetermined level. If the lead vehicle 10's fuel or battery level is not below the predetermined level, there is no need to refuel the lead vehicle 10 or charge its battery, and the process is terminated. If the lead vehicle 10's fuel or battery level is below the predetermined level, notification information is output to the on-board device 100 of the lead vehicle 10. This method also makes it possible to suppress traffic congestion.

[0065] <Other Embodiments> The embodiments described above are merely examples, and this disclosure may be modified as appropriate without departing from its essence. Furthermore, the processes and means described in this disclosure may be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical inconsistencies arise.

[0066] Furthermore, a process described as being performed by a single device may be divided and executed by multiple devices. Conversely, a process described as being performed by different devices may be executed by a single device. In a computer system, the hardware configuration (server configuration) by which each function is implemented can be flexibly changed.

[0067] This disclosure can also be realized by supplying a computer program implementing the functions described in the above embodiments to a computer, and having one or more processors in the computer read and execute the program. Such a computer program may be provided to the computer by a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium that can be connected to the computer's system bus, or it may be provided to the computer via a network. The non-temporary computer-readable storage medium may be any type of disk, such as a magnetic disk (floppy disk or hard disk drive (HDD), etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD disk, or Blu-ray disk, etc.), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), EPROM, EEP This includes any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions, such as ROM, magnetic cards, flash memory, or optical cards. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1. Notification system 10. Vehicles 100...In-vehicle equipment 101. Control Unit 102. Communications Department 103...Position acquisition unit 104 Route acquisition unit 105·Notification Department 200 ·· Management Server 201 ··Control Unit 202. Communications Department 203...Road information DB 204 Facility Information Database

Claims

1. To determine whether the speed of the first vehicle traveling at the front of a convoy consisting of a predetermined number of vehicles or a predetermined length is below a predetermined speed, When the speed of the first vehicle is below the predetermined speed, notification information is output to guide the user of the first vehicle to stop driving at the front of the convoy. It includes a control unit that performs the following: The control unit, If the speed of the first vehicle is less than or equal to the predetermined speed, and there is a specific facility within a predetermined range from the current location of the first vehicle that can be suggested to the user of the first vehicle to visit, the notification information suggesting that the user of the first vehicle visit the specific facility is output. Information processing device.

2. The control unit, The content of the notification information is determined according to whether or not there is traffic congestion on the planned route of the first vehicle. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. Determining whether the speed of a first vehicle traveling at the front of a convoy consisting of a predetermined number of vehicles or a predetermined length is less than or equal to a predetermined speed, When the speed of the first vehicle is below the predetermined speed, notification information is output to guide the user of the first vehicle to stop driving at the front of the convoy. It includes a control unit that performs the following: The control unit, If the speed of the first vehicle is less than or equal to the predetermined speed, and if it is determined that the fuel or battery level of the first vehicle is below a predetermined level based on information regarding the remaining fuel or battery level of the first vehicle, the notification information is output to suggest to the user of the first vehicle that they refuel the first vehicle or charge the battery of the first vehicle. Information processing device.

Images