Operating system and operating method

Abstract

To provide an operation system that enables a person with alighting difficulties to alight from a vehicle in consideration of the time it takes to alight from the vehicle in the operation of an automated vehicle.SOLUTION: An operation system manages first information indicating the service status of a service provider who undertakes to assist passengers in alighting from a bus upon request, and second information indicating a location of an assistance provision spot that can provide assistance in alighting from the bus. When a person with alighting difficulties is detected, the operation system calculates a first expected time at which the service provider arrives at an alighting point of the person with alighting difficulties when the request is made, and a second expected time at which an automated vehicle arrives at a target assistance provision spot when the target assistance provision spot near the alighting point is included in a destination. The operation system includes the target assistance provision spot as the destination when the second expected time is earlier than the first expected time by a predetermined amount of time or more, and the request is made when the second expected time is not earlier than the first expected time by the predetermined amount of time or more.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technology for operating an autonomous vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Autonomous vehicles are considered to be operated as one of the public transportation means. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an autonomous vehicle used as a bus for transporting passengers. In particular, Patent Document 1 discloses an autonomous vehicle equipped with a wheelchair boarding space.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An autonomous vehicle can run without the need for a driving operation by a driver. Therefore, an autonomous vehicle is assumed to be operated as a driverless vehicle without a crew member in the vehicle. By the way, in the operation of an autonomous vehicle, a situation may occur where a person who has difficulty getting off the vehicle (a person with difficulty getting off) appears among the passengers. For example, in Patent Document 1, it is disclosed that a wheelchair user boards and alights from an autonomous vehicle using a slope that can be taken in and out. Here, it is considered that a wheelchair user becomes a person with difficulty getting off when the slope becomes unavailable after boarding. When there is a crew member in the vehicle, a person with difficulty getting off can get off with the assistance of the crew member. However, in a driverless vehicle, a person with difficulty getting off cannot receive the assistance of the crew member. Thus, in the operation of an autonomous vehicle, how to deal with a person with difficulty getting off becomes a problem. In particular, from the viewpoint of the convenience of the operation service, it is desirable that a person with difficulty getting off can get off more quickly and appropriately.

[0005] One of the purposes of this disclosure is, in light of the above-mentioned issues, to provide a technology that enables passengers with difficulty disembarking from an autonomous vehicle by taking into account the time it takes to disembark. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The first disclosure relates to an operating system for an autonomous vehicle that carries passengers and travels to one or more destinations. The operating system according to the first disclosure comprises one or more processors and one or more storage devices. The one or more storage devices store first information indicating the service status of a service provider that undertakes to assist passengers disembarking upon request, and second information indicating the location of an assistance service location where passenger disembarking assistance can be provided. One or more processors perform a process to detect passengers who have difficulty disembarking. If a passenger with difficulty disembarking is detected, based on the first information, they calculate a first estimated time when the service provider will arrive at the disembarking point where the passenger intends to disembark, if a request is made. Based on the second information, they obtain the location of a target assistance service location near the disembarking point, and calculate a second estimated time when the autonomous vehicle will arrive at the target assistance service location, if the destination is to include the target assistance service location. The first estimated time and the second estimated time are compared, and if the second estimated time is more than a predetermined time earlier than the first estimated time, the destination is to include the target assistance service location. If the second estimated time is not more than a predetermined time earlier than the first estimated time, a request is made.

[0007] The second disclosure relates to a method of operating an autonomous vehicle that carries passengers and travels to one or more destinations. The method of operation relating to the second disclosure includes managing first information indicating the service status of a service provider that undertakes to assist passengers with disembarking upon request, and second information indicating the location of an assistance provision location where assistance for passengers disembarking can be provided; detecting passengers who have difficulty disembarking and are unable to disembark; calculating a first estimated time based on the first information that the service provider will arrive at the disembarking point where the passenger with difficulty disembarking intends to disembark, if a request is made; obtaining the location of a target assistance provision location near the disembarking point based on the second information; calculating a second estimated time that the autonomous vehicle will arrive at the target assistance provision location if the target assistance provision location is included as a destination; and comparing the first estimated time and the second estimated time, including the target assistance provision location as a destination if the second estimated time is more than a predetermined time earlier than the first estimated time, and making a request if the second estimated time is not more than a predetermined time earlier than the first estimated time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide means of disembarking for passengers who have difficulty disembarking, taking into account the time it takes to get off the vehicle. Ultimately, this can improve the convenience of the transportation service. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the operation of an autonomous vehicle using the operating system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the operation system according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of the operation system according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows an example of the processing performed in the operating system according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] 1. Operation of autonomous vehicles The operating system according to this embodiment operates an autonomous vehicle. Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the operation of an autonomous vehicle 200 by the operating system according to this embodiment.

[0011] The autonomous vehicle 200 operates automatically, steering, accelerating, and decelerating without requiring driver intervention. The autonomous vehicle 200 is operated so that it carries passenger 1 to one or more destinations. In the example shown in Figure 1, four locations 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D are shown. The autonomous vehicle 200 departs from location 2A with passenger 1 on board and travels to locations 2B, 2C, and 2D in that order. Passenger 1 also disembarks from the autonomous vehicle 200 at locations 2C and 2D. Typically, the autonomous vehicle 200 is a bus operated for the purpose of transporting passenger 1. For example, each destination location is a bus stop where passenger 1 gets on and off. Alternatively, if the autonomous vehicle 200 is an on-demand bus, each destination location is a pick-up and drop-off point requested by passenger 1.

[0012] The autonomous vehicle 200 according to this embodiment is equipped with a ramp providing device 250. The ramp providing device 250 provides a ramp for use by passengers 1 to board and alight. The ramp providing device 250 may deploy and retract the ramp by electronic control of an actuator, or it may deploy and retract the ramp by a mechanical mechanism. Passengers 1 who require a ramp to board or alight (for example, wheelchair users) can deploy the ramp by operating the ramp providing device 250, thereby enabling them to board and alight using the ramp. Hereinafter, passengers 1 who board or alight using the ramp provided by the ramp providing device 250 will be referred to as "ramp users".

[0013] In this embodiment, the operation of the autonomous vehicle 200 is managed by the operation management server 100. The operation management server 100 communicates with the autonomous vehicle 200 and transmits command information related to its operation. For example, the operation management server 100 transmits command information specifying the destination of the autonomous vehicle 200 and the route of operation at each point. The operation management server 100 may be configured to manage the operation of multiple autonomous vehicles 200. The autonomous vehicle 200 calculates a driving route that satisfies the command information received from the operation management server 100 and performs autonomous driving along the driving route. Thus, the operation system according to this embodiment is realized through cooperation between the operation management server 100 and the autonomous vehicle 200.

[0014] The autonomous vehicle 200 according to this embodiment is specifically envisioned as an unmanned vehicle with no crew inside. In an unmanned vehicle, if a problem occurs with passenger 1, it is not possible to request assistance from a crew member. The operating system according to this embodiment is configured to provide remote support functions and to enable dispatch services in order to address problems with passenger 1 in an unmanned vehicle.

[0015] The remote support function allows passenger 1 to contact a remote support operator 3 outside the vehicle as needed and receive support from the remote support operator 3. The autonomous vehicle 200 is equipped with a means of communication for passenger 1 to contact the remote support operator 3. The remote support operator 3 provides support from the remote support center in response to contact from passenger 1. For example, the remote support operator 3 resolves any questions passenger 1 may have regarding how to disembark through a phone call. Also, for example, the remote support operator 3 registers or changes the vehicle status of the autonomous vehicle 200 upon receiving notification of equipment malfunction or other issues.

[0016] The dispatch service is a service that dispatches a service provider 4 to the autonomous vehicle 200 upon request to address the problem. The dispatch service is used for problems that require on-site attention. For example, the dispatch service is used to rescue passenger 1, replace faulty equipment, etc. The dispatch service may be configured to be provided by a management system (dispatch service management system). In this case, the dispatch service management system manages the service status of the service providers 4. The service status includes the availability of each service provider 4, the current location of each service provider 4, the services that each service provider 4 can provide, etc. When the dispatch service management system receives a request, it assigns a service provider 4 based on the service status. The dispatch service management system then requests the assigned service provider 4 to perform the dispatch service. The service provider 4 rushes to the autonomous vehicle 200 in accordance with the request. The service provider 4 may go to the autonomous vehicle 200 from a specific waiting location, or it may go to the autonomous vehicle 200 related to the current request from the location where the previous dispatch service was performed. In this way, dispatch services are realized by the dispatch service management system. In the operation system according to this embodiment, the operation management server 100 uses dispatch services by sending a request to the dispatch service management system.

[0017] In the operation of the autonomous vehicle 200, a situation is assumed where a person who has difficulty getting off the vehicle among the passengers 1 (hereinafter referred to as "person with difficulty getting off") appears. For example, when the slope providing device 250 fails, the passengers using the slope inside the vehicle become persons with difficulty getting off. Or, when the handrail at the disembarkation opening is broken and cannot be used, the passenger 1 who needs to use the handrail to get off becomes a person with difficulty getting off. Persons with difficulty getting off need manual assistance for getting off, but in a driverless vehicle, they cannot request assistance from a crew member. The continued state where a person with difficulty getting off cannot get off will reduce the convenience and reliability of the operation service. Thus, when operating the autonomous vehicle 200 as a driverless vehicle, how to deal with persons with difficulty getting off becomes an issue. In the operation of the autonomous vehicle 200, it is necessary to avoid at least the situation where a person with difficulty getting off cannot get off at all. Furthermore, in order to improve the convenience of the operation service, it is desirable to enable a person with difficulty getting off to get off earlier. The operation system according to the present embodiment provides a function (hereinafter referred to as "getting-off response function") that enables a person with difficulty getting off to get off, considering the time until getting off.

[0018] 2 Configuration FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the operation system 10 according to the present embodiment. The operation system 10 is composed of an operation management server 100, an autonomous vehicle 200, a remote support center 300, and a dispatched service management system 400. The operation management server 100, the autonomous vehicle 200, the remote support center 30, and the dispatched service management system 400 are connected to each other via a communication network 20 so as to be communicable with each other. The communication network 20 is composed of, for example, the Internet or a mobile communication system.

[0019] The operation management server 100 is a computer including a processor 11 and a storage device 120.

[0020] Processor 110 executes various processes. Processor 110 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), etc.

[0021] Storage device 120 is connected to processor 110 and stores various information necessary for the processes executed by processor 110. Storage device 120 is composed of recording media such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a SSD (Solid State Drive), a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), etc.

[0022] The storage device 120 stores a computer program 130 and management data 140.

[0023] The computer program 130 describes the processes to be executed by processor 110. Information processing by the operation management server 100 may be realized by the cooperation of processor 110 and storage device 120. The computer program 130 may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

[0024] The management data 140 records various management information related to the operation of the autonomous vehicle 200.

[0025] The autonomous vehicle 200 includes a control processing device 201, sensors 230, a traveling device 240, a slope providing device 250, a notification / call device 260, and an operator calling device 270.

[0026] The control processing unit 201 performs information processing related to the control of the autonomous vehicle 200 based on various information. The control processing unit 201 generates and outputs control signals through information processing. The control processing unit 201 comprises a processor 210 and a storage device 220. The processor 210 executes various processes. The storage device 220 stores various information necessary for the processes executed by the processor 210. The storage device 220 may store computer programs that describe the processes to be executed by the processor 210. Information processing by the control processing unit 201 may be realized through cooperation between the processor 210 and the storage device 220.

[0027] The sensors 230 detect information related to the autonomous vehicle 200. The sensors 230 include an in-vehicle monitoring sensor 231 and a driving environment detection sensor 232. The in-vehicle monitoring sensor 231 monitors the conditions inside the vehicle. In particular, the in-vehicle monitoring sensor 231 may be configured to detect information about passengers 1 inside the vehicle (number of people, attributes, status, arrangement, etc.). The in-vehicle monitoring sensor 231 is composed of, for example, a camera that takes images of the conditions inside the vehicle. The driving environment detection sensor 232 detects information about the driving environment of the autonomous vehicle 200. Examples of the driving environment detection sensor 232 include a camera, radar, LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging), wheel speed sensor, IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) sensor, etc.

[0028] The running gear 240 provides the driving function of the autonomous vehicle 200. The running gear 240 includes a steering device for turning the wheels, a drive device for generating driving force, and a braking device for generating braking force. The running gear 240 operates according to control signals obtained from the control processing device 201. Each component of the running gear 240 may include an actuator controllable by the control processing device 201. By operating the running gear 240 according to the control signals, autonomous driving control by the control processing device 201 is realized.

[0029] The notification / communication device 260 provides various notifications to passenger 1. The notification / communication device 260 also connects to the communication device 310 of the remote support center 300, providing communication functionality between passenger 1 and remote support operator 3. The notification / communication device 260 consists of a speaker, microphone, display, etc.

[0030] The operator calling device 270 is a device for passenger 1 to call remote support operator 3 at the remote support center 300. When a call is made to remote support operator 3 by the operator calling device 270, the notification / calling device 260 connects to the calling device 310 of the remote support center 300 and initiates a call with remote support operator 3. This allows passenger 1 to communicate with remote support operator 3 via the notification / calling device 260. The operator calling device 270 is composed of, for example, buttons that can be operated by passenger 1.

[0031] The remote support center 300 is equipped with a communication device 310 and an input / output terminal 320.

[0032] The communication device 310 receives a call from the remote support operator 3 in the autonomous vehicle 200 and connects with the notification / communication device 260 of the autonomous vehicle 200. The remote support operator 3 can communicate with the passenger 1 of the autonomous vehicle 200 via the communication device 310. The communication device 310 consists of a microphone, speaker, etc.

[0033] The input / output terminal 320 receives various types of information from the remote support operator 3 and outputs various types of information to the remote support operator 3. The input / output terminal 320 is a computer equipped with, for example, an input unit such as a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel, and an output unit such as a display or speaker.

[0034] The configuration of the dispatch service management system 400 is not particularly limited. For example, the dispatch service management system 400 consists of a server that processes information related to dispatch services and an information terminal that connects to the server and sends and receives information with the service provider 4.

[0035] Figure 3 shows the functional configuration of the operation system 10 according to this embodiment, with respect to the passenger disembarkation function.

[0036] In the operation management server 100, the management data 140 stores service status information 141, auxiliary service location information 142, vehicle status information 143, and passenger information 144.

[0037] Service status information 141 is information (first information) indicating the service status of dispatch services provided by the dispatch service management system 400. The operation management server 100 obtains the service status information 141 by communicating with the dispatch service management system 400.

[0038] The assistance location information 142 is information (secondary information) indicating the location of an assistance location where assistance for disembarking passenger 1 can be provided. For example, if it is assumed that passengers using ramps are eligible for disembarking assistance, the assistance location is a place where portable ramps are stored and personnel for disembarking assistance can be secured. Specifically, assistance locations are expected to be stations, nursing homes, hospitals, etc. The operation management server 100 may manage the assistance location information 142 by prior registration. However, the assistance location information 142 may be updated as needed through new registrations or information updates. In addition, the assistance location information 142 may include other information related to the assistance location. For example, the assistance location information 142 may include information such as the operating days of the assistance location and the current availability status of the assistance location.

[0039] Vehicle status information 143 is management information relating to the status of the autonomous vehicle 200. Vehicle status information 143 includes information such as the current location, driving status, next destination, current route, and status of on-board equipment of the autonomous vehicle 200. In particular, in this embodiment, vehicle status information 143 includes information on the malfunction status of the ramp providing device 250. The operation management server 100 acquires the vehicle status information 143 through communication with the autonomous vehicle 200.

[0040] Passenger information 144 is management information relating to passenger 1. Passenger information 144 includes information such as the number of passengers 1, the attributes of each passenger 1 (age, gender, etc.), status (standing, seated, etc.), characteristics, placement, and the point where each passenger 1 intends to disembark (disembarkation point). In particular, in this embodiment, passenger information 144 includes information for managing whether each passenger 1 is a ramp user or not. The operation management server 100 acquires passenger information 144 through communication with the autonomous vehicle 200.

[0041] The operation management server 100 includes a passenger disembarking detection unit 111, an operation management unit 112, and a request transmission unit 113. The passenger disembarking detection unit 111, the operation management unit 112, and the request transmission unit 113 may each be implemented by a processor 110 that performs processing.

[0042] The passenger disembarking difficulty detection unit 111 detects passengers 1 who have difficulty disembarking based on vehicle status information 143 and passenger information 144. In particular, the passenger disembarking difficulty detection unit 111 obtains the malfunction status of the ramp providing device 250 from the vehicle status information 143. If a malfunction of the ramp providing device 250 is detected, the passenger disembarking difficulty detection unit 111 refers to the passenger information 144 and detects the ramp user as someone who has difficulty disembarking. The passenger disembarking difficulty detection unit 111 may also be configured to detect passengers who have difficulty disembarking by other means.

[0043] The operations management unit 112 manages the operation of the autonomous vehicle 200 based on the information in the management data 140. In operations management, the operations management unit 112 determines destinations and routes, judges requests for dispatch services, requests notifications to passenger 1, etc.

[0044] The request transmission unit 113 generates a dispatch service request in accordance with the request from the operation management unit 112. The request transmission unit 113 sends the generated request to the dispatch service management system 400.

[0045] The autonomous vehicle 200 includes a passenger information recognition unit 211, a vehicle state recognition unit 212, a driving route calculation unit 213, and a vehicle control unit 214. The passenger information recognition unit 211, the vehicle state recognition unit 212, the driving route calculation unit 213, and the vehicle control unit 214 may each be implemented by a processor 210 that performs processing.

[0046] The passenger information recognition unit 211 recognizes passenger information 144 of passenger 1 inside the vehicle. The passenger information recognition unit 211 recognizes passenger information 144 based on detection information obtained from the in-vehicle monitoring sensor 231. The passenger information recognition unit 211 also recognizes passenger information 144 based on input information obtained from the input / output terminal 320 of the remote support center 300. In particular, the passenger information recognition unit 211 recognizes passenger information 144 regarding whether each passenger 1 is a ramp user or not. The passenger information 144 recognized by the passenger information recognition unit 211 is transmitted to the operation management server 100.

[0047] The vehicle status recognition unit 212 recognizes the vehicle status of the autonomous vehicle 200. The vehicle status recognition unit 212 recognizes the vehicle status based on detection information obtained from the driving environment detection sensor 232. The vehicle status recognition unit 212 also recognizes the vehicle status based on input information obtained from the input / output terminal 320 of the remote support center 300. Furthermore, the vehicle status recognition unit 212 recognizes the vehicle status based on the results of information processing by the control processing device 201. In particular, the vehicle status recognition unit 212 recognizes the vehicle status related to the malfunction state of the ramp provisioning device 250. The vehicle status recognized by the vehicle status recognition unit 212 is transmitted to the operation management server 100.

[0048] The route calculation unit 213 obtains destination points and routes from the operation management unit 112 and calculates a route that satisfies the obtained destination points and routes. The route calculated by the route calculation unit 213 is transmitted to the vehicle control unit 214.

[0049] The vehicle control unit 214 generates control signals to ensure that the automated driving vehicle 200 travels along the route obtained from the route calculation unit 213. The control signals generated by the vehicle control unit 214 are transmitted to the driving device 240.

[0050] When the operator calling device 270 is operated, the notification / communication device 260 connects to the communication device 310 of the remote support center 300 and initiates a call with the remote support operator 3. The notification / communication device 260 also notifies passenger 1 in accordance with a request from the operations management department 112.

[0051] 3. Processing Flow Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing performed in the operation system 10 according to this embodiment with respect to the passenger disembarkation function. The processing shown in the flowchart in Figure 4 may be executed repeatedly at a predetermined processing cycle.

[0052] First, in step S100, the passenger disembarkation difficulty detection unit 111 performs a process to detect passengers 1 who have difficulty disembarking.

[0053] If the passenger disembarking detection unit 111 does not detect a passenger who has difficulty disembarking (step S110; No), the process ends. If the passenger disembarking detection unit 111 detects a passenger who has difficulty disembarking (step S110; Yes), the process proceeds to step S120.

[0054] In step S120, the operations management unit 112 refers to the passenger information 144 to check the status of passengers 1 other than the passenger with difficulty disembarking. The operations management unit 112 then determines whether it is possible for the passenger with difficulty disembarking to disembark at the disembarking point with assistance from the other passengers 1 (step S130). For example, the operations management unit 112 determines that disembarking with assistance from passengers is possible if it is predicted that there will be a predetermined number (e.g., 2 people) or more of other passengers 1 at the disembarking point of the passenger with difficulty disembarking. Furthermore, the operations management unit 112 may send a notification to the other passengers 1 via the notification / communication device 260 requesting them to provide assistance from passengers. The operations management unit 112 may then determine that disembarking with assistance from passengers is possible if there are a predetermined number or more of passengers 1 who have agreed to provide assistance from passengers. In addition, if a passenger using the ramp is assumed to be a passenger with difficulty disembarking, the operations management unit 112 may determine whether disembarking with assistance from passengers is possible based on whether it is possible to disembark without using the ramp. In this case, if the operations management unit 112 determines that alighting is not possible without using the ramp, it may also determine that alighting with passenger assistance is not possible. The operations management unit 112 may, for example, determine whether alighting is possible without using the ramp based on the characteristics of the person who has difficulty alighting.

[0055] If it is determined that passenger assistance is possible for the passenger to disembark (Step S130; Yes), the operations management unit 112 maintains the current operation of the autonomous vehicle 200. When the autonomous vehicle 200 arrives at the disembarkation point for the passenger who has difficulty disembarking, the operations management unit 112 notifies passenger 1 via the notification / communication device 260 to request assistance from the passenger who has difficulty disembarking. As a result, the passenger who has difficulty disembarking can disembark at the scheduled disembarkation point with the assistance of the passenger.

[0056] If it is determined that passenger assistance is not possible for the passenger to disembark (Step S130; No), the operations management unit 112 calculates the estimated time (first estimated time) when the service provider 4 will arrive at the disembarkation point of the passenger who has difficulty disembarking, based on the service status information 141 (Step S150). The operations management unit 112 calculates the first estimated time based, for example, on the availability of the service provider 4 and the distance between the disembarkation point and the current location of the service provider 4.

[0057] Next, in step S160, the operation management unit 112 searches for an auxiliary service location near the disembarking point of a passenger who has difficulty disembarking, based on the auxiliary service location information 142. For example, the operation management unit 112 searches for an auxiliary service location within a range where the distance to the disembarking point is less than or equal to a predetermined distance. The operation management unit 112 then obtains the location of the searched auxiliary service location (target auxiliary service location).

[0058] Next, in step S170, the operation management unit 112 calculates the estimated time (second estimated time) when the autonomous vehicle 200 will arrive at the target auxiliary service location, assuming that the target auxiliary service location is included in the destination of the autonomous vehicle 200. Here, including the target auxiliary service location in the destination means changing the destination location that will be the drop-off point to the target auxiliary service location, or adding the target auxiliary service location as a destination location before or after the destination location that will be the drop-off point. Alternatively, the next destination location may be designated as the target auxiliary service location. These decisions may be made from the perspective of the operation status of the autonomous vehicle 200 and the convenience of the service.

[0059] Next, in step S180, the operation management unit 112 compares the first estimated time with the second estimated time. The operation management unit 112 then determines whether the second estimated time is earlier than the first estimated time by a predetermined amount of time (step S190). The predetermined amount of time may be set according to the distance between the target assistance provision location and the disembarking point. However, the predetermined amount of time may be set to zero. In other words, in step S190, the operation management unit 112 may determine whether the second estimated time is earlier than the first estimated time.

[0060] If the second estimated time is more than a predetermined time earlier than the first estimated time (Step S190; Yes), the operation management unit 112 includes the designated assistance provision location as the destination and transmits the route to the autonomous vehicle 200 (Step S200). As a result, passengers who have difficulty disembarking can disembark with assistance at the designated assistance provision location.

[0061] If the second estimated time is not more than a predetermined time earlier than the first estimated time (Step S190; No), the operation management unit 112 requests the request transmission unit 113 to send a request for the service provider 4 to assist passengers with difficulty disembarking at the disembarking point (Step S210). The autonomous vehicle 200 waits at the disembarking point for the arrival of the service provider 4. As a result, passengers with difficulty disembarking can disembark at the scheduled disembarking point with assistance from the service provider 4.

[0062] By executing the process in this manner, the disembarking function of the operation system 10 according to this embodiment is realized. Furthermore, the operation system 10 that performs the process in this manner realizes the operation method according to this embodiment.

[0063] 4. Effects As explained above, according to this embodiment, if a person with difficulty disembarking is detected, that person can disembark at least through disembarking assistance at the designated assistance provision location or disembarking assistance by service provider 4. Consequently, it is possible to avoid a situation where the person with difficulty disembarking is unable to disembark at all. In particular, according to this embodiment, the first estimated time and the second estimated time are compared, and if the second estimated time is more than a predetermined time earlier than the first estimated time, disembarking assistance is provided at the designated assistance provision location. On the other hand, if the second estimated time is not more than a predetermined time earlier than the first estimated time, disembarking assistance is provided by service provider 4. In this way, taking into account whether or not there has been a change from the planned disembarking point, it becomes possible for the person with difficulty disembarking to disembark by a faster means. Consequently, the convenience of the transportation service can be improved.

[0064] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, if it is possible for the passenger 1 to disembark at the disembarking point with the assistance of another passenger 1, the current operation of the autonomous vehicle 200 is maintained without comparing the first estimated time and the second estimated time. At the disembarking point, passenger 1 is notified to assist the passenger who is having difficulty disembarking. This makes it possible to provide a faster means of disembarking to the passenger who is having difficulty disembarking. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0065] 1 passenger, 4 service providers, 10 operating systems, 100 operation management servers, 110 processors, 120 memory devices, 130 computer programs

Claims

1. An operating system for an autonomous vehicle that carries passengers and travels to one or more destinations, One or more processors, One or more storage devices, Equipped with, The one or more storage devices are First information showing the service status of a service provider who undertakes to assist the aforementioned passenger with disembarking upon request, Second information indicating the location of an assistance provision site where assistance can be provided for the aforementioned passenger to disembark, Remember this, The one or more processors described above are: The process is executed to detect passengers who are having difficulty disembarking. If a person who has difficulty disembarking is detected, Based on the first information, a first estimated time is calculated for the service provider to arrive at the drop-off point, which is the point where the person with difficulty getting off the vehicle intends to get off, if the request is made. Based on the second information, the location of the target assistance provision location, which is the assistance provision location near the disembarking point, is obtained. When the aforementioned target assistance provision location is included in the destination, a second estimated time is calculated for the autonomous vehicle to arrive at the aforementioned target assistance provision location. The first estimated time and the second estimated time are compared, and if the second estimated time is more than a predetermined time earlier than the first estimated time, the target assistance provision location is included in the destination; if the second estimated time is not more than a predetermined time earlier than the first estimated time, the request is made. It is configured to Operating system.

2. The operating system according to claim 1, The aforementioned autonomous vehicle is equipped with a ramp providing device that provides a ramp used for passengers to board and alight, The one or more processors described above are: In the process of detecting persons who have difficulty disembarking, Among the aforementioned passengers, those who use the ramp are managed, When a malfunction of the ramp-providing device is detected, the ramp user is designated as a person with difficulty disembarking. It is configured to Operating system.

3. An operating system according to claim 1 or 2, The one or more processors described above are: If the aforementioned person who has difficulty disembarking is detected, further, The system determines whether the passenger with difficulty disembarking can disembark at the designated disembarking point with the assistance of the passengers. If it is determined that the passenger assistance will enable the passenger with difficulty disembarking to disembark at the designated disembarking point, the comparison between the first and second estimated times will not be performed. It is configured to Operating system.

4. The operating system according to claim 3, The one or more processors described above are: If it is determined that the passenger with difficulty disembarking can disembark at the designated disembarking point through the aforementioned passenger assistance, the automated vehicle will further notify the passenger requesting the aforementioned passenger assistance when it arrives at the disembarking point. It is configured to Operating system.

5. A method for operating an autonomous vehicle that carries passengers and travels to one or more destinations, To manage: first information indicating the service status of a service provider that undertakes to assist the passenger disembarking upon request, and second information indicating the location of an assistance provision site where assistance for the passenger disembarking can be provided; To detect passengers who are having difficulty disembarking, Based on the first information, the first estimated time at which the service provider will arrive at the drop-off point, which is the point where the person with difficulty getting off the vehicle intends to get off, when the request is made, Based on the second information, the location of the target assistance provision location, which is the assistance provision location near the disembarking point, is obtained. When the aforementioned designated assistance provision location is included in the destination, a second estimated time is calculated for the autonomous vehicle to arrive at the aforementioned designated assistance provision location. The first estimated time and the second estimated time are compared, and if the second estimated time is more than a predetermined time earlier than the first estimated time, the target assistance provision location is included in the destination; if the second estimated time is not more than a predetermined time earlier than the first estimated time, the request is made. including Operation method.

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