Mobile object movement restriction device and mobile object movement restriction system using the same

Abstract

The present invention provides a mobile object movement restriction device and a mobile object movement restriction system using the same, which enable easy placement, transportation, and other related tasks. [Solution] Each of the multiple mobile object movement restricting devices 20 in the mobile object movement restricting system comprises a device body 21, a drive unit 23 provided on the device body 21 and capable of self-propelling the device body 21, a GPS unit 24 capable of identifying the position of the device body 21, and a control unit 22 that operates the drive unit 23 based on an external command indicating the target movement position of the device body 21 to control the movement of the device body 21 toward the target movement position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification discloses a technique relating to a moving body movement restricting device and a moving body movement restricting system using the same.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, as a technique capable of simply restricting the movement of moving bodies (for example, vehicles and pedestrians) on a road surface, moving body movement restricting devices such as road cones are widely known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, with conventional moving body movement restricting devices as described in Patent Document 1, in particular, when a plurality of the devices are arranged on a road surface, they must be manually transported and orderly arranged (arrayed) at predetermined positions; in addition, when recovering these devices, the same amount of labor is required, so there has been a problem that the work is extremely complicated.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a moving body movement restricting device that can easily perform each work such as arrangement and transportation, and a moving body movement restricting system using the same.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The technology disclosed in the present specification can be implemented in the following modes. One embodiment disclosed herein is a mobile body movement restricting device capable of restricting the movement of a mobile body by being placed on the movement path of the mobile body. This mobile body movement restricting device comprises a device body, a moving means provided on the device body that enables the device body to move autonomously, a positioning means capable of identifying the position of the device body, and a device provided on the device body that operates the moving means based on an external command indicating a target position for the device body to move the device body toward the target position, and autonomously controls the moving means until it reaches the target position.

[0007] (1) One form of a mobile object movement restricting device disclosed herein is a mobile object movement restricting device capable of restricting the movement of a mobile object by being placed on the movement path of the mobile object, comprising: a device body; a moving means provided on the device body and capable of self-propulsion of the device body; a positioning means capable of identifying the position of the device body; and a control means that operates the moving means based on an external command indicating a target movement position of the device body to move the device body toward the target movement position. With this form of mobile object movement restricting device, the operation of moving to the target movement position can be performed, so to speak, automatically, thus ensuring the simplification of such operation.

[0008] (2) In the above-described mobile body movement restricting device, the target movement position further includes a storage position for storing the mobile body movement restricting device and a mobile body movement restricting position which is placed on the movement path of the mobile body to restrict the movement of the mobile body, and the control means may control the movement of the device body between the storage position and the mobile body movement restricting position. With this form of mobile body movement restricting device, a series of operations such as transporting and placing to the mobile body movement restricting position and retrieving to the storage position can be performed automatically.

[0009] (3) In the above-described mobile object movement restricting device, the device may further include a detection means for detecting whether the device body is in a state where it can move toward the target movement position, and the control means may, if the detection result detected by the detection means determines that the device body is in a state where it cannot or has difficulty moving toward itself, perform control to output information indicating that state to the outside. With this form of mobile object movement restricting device, it is possible to easily determine whether the device body is in a state where it can move toward itself (for example, whether it is tilted or malfunctioning), so that, for example, if the mobile object movement restricting device is tilted, it can be returned to an upright position, or if it is malfunctioning, it can be repaired, etc., in a timely manner.

[0010] (4) In the above-described mobile object movement restricting device, the control means may further control the movement means to move the device body along the path that provides the shortest distance to the target movement position. With this form of mobile object movement restricting device, the mobile object restricting device can be moved to the target movement position efficiently and in a short amount of time.

[0011] (5) In the above-described mobile object movement restricting device, the positioning means may further include a receiving device capable of determining the position of the device body by receiving signals from a satellite. With this form of mobile object movement restricting device, accurate position information can be obtained, and the restricting device can be moved with precision to a desired target position.

[0012] (6) One embodiment of a mobile object movement restriction system disclosed herein is a mobile object movement restriction system capable of restricting the movement of a mobile object, comprising: a mobile object movement restriction device disposed on the movement path of the mobile object; and an operating terminal capable of communicating with the mobile object movement restriction device, wherein the mobile object movement restriction device comprises: a device body; a moving means provided on the device body and capable of self-propelling the device body; a position identifying means capable of identifying the position of the device body; and a control means that controls the moving means to self-propel and move the device body; wherein the operating terminal comprises: an input means for receiving input of a target position to move the device body; and a transmitting means capable of transmitting position information indicating the target position to the control means; wherein the control means controls the moving means to move toward the target position based on the position information transmitted from the transmitting means. According to this embodiment of a mobile object movement restriction system, the operation of moving the mobile object movement restriction device toward the target position can be carried out easily and reliably, similar to (1) above.

[0013] The technologies disclosed herein can be implemented in various forms different from mobile object movement restriction devices and mobile object movement restriction systems. For example, the technologies disclosed herein can be implemented in the form of an operating terminal, its computer program, and a method for managing multiple mobile object movement restriction devices. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing one embodiment of the mobile object movement control system according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a mobile object movement restriction device according to the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the mobile object movement restriction device. [Figure 4] This is a plan view illustrating the operation of a mobile object movement control device. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the mobile object movement restriction positioning process in a mobile object movement restriction system. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the storage position placement process in a mobile object movement restriction system. [Figure 7] This image shows an example of an image displayed on the control terminal while the control process shown in Figure 5 is being performed. [Figure 8] This image shows an example of an image displayed on the control terminal while the control process shown in Figure 6 is being performed. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing one embodiment of the mobile object movement restriction system 1. The mobile object movement restriction system 1 according to this embodiment is a system for automatically moving a plurality of mobile object movement restriction devices 20 (see Figure 2, etc.) between a warehouse W and a driving practice course C within a vehicle driving practice facility F by remotely operating the mobile object movement restriction devices 20 (see Figure 4, etc.). In the following description, an example will be given in which a plurality of mobile object movement restriction devices 20 are placed on the driving practice course C (vehicle driving path) so that a vehicle (for example, a motorcycle) can practice slalom driving, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the mobile object movement restriction system 1 and mobile object movement restriction devices 20 according to the present invention can be used to guide pedestrians and vehicles at construction sites, parking lots, and venue facilities.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the moving body movement restricting system 1 according to the present embodiment is configured to include an operation terminal 10 and a plurality of moving body movement restricting tools 20.

[0017] The operation terminal 10 is a known mobile terminal provided with a function of inputting and displaying various types of information, and also provided with a function capable of communicating with other communication devices via a public communication line N. In the present embodiment, a so-called smartphone is exemplified as the operation terminal 10, but any other terminal may be used as long as it has the aforementioned input function, display function, communication function, etc., for example, a desktop personal computer or a tablet.

[0018] In the present embodiment, the operation terminal 10 is configured to be capable of displaying various types of information on a display unit 10a and accepting input of the information based on a program for using the moving body movement restricting system 1 (hereinafter referred to as a "moving body movement restricting program") stored in a storage unit (not shown in the drawing). The moving body movement restricting program may be configured to be installable by reading a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, or may be configured to be installable by downloading from a predetermined Internet site.

[0019] Based on the moving body movement restricting program, the operation terminal 10 is configured to be capable of: (1) displaying map data acquired using a general-purpose web mapping program (for example, Google Maps provided on the Internet by Google (registered trademark)) and various types of information transmitted from the operation terminal 10 on the display unit 10a (see FIG. 7(b)), and (2) accepting input of position information plotted on the map data (see "start point position P" in FIG. 7(b)) and the like.

[0020] The memory unit of the operating terminal 10 is provided with a memory area for storing the above-mentioned mobile object movement restriction program, as well as an area for pre-storing (registering) information related to the remotely controllable mobile object movement restriction device 20. For example, in the case of mobile object movement restriction devices 20a to 20f as shown in Figure 4, the memory unit of the operating terminal 10 stores information such as "Identification number: 20a, Storage location: △△△..." for mobile object movement restriction device 20a, "Identification number: 20b, Storage location: △□□,..." for mobile object movement restriction device 20b, and "Identification number: 20c, Storage location: □□□,..." for mobile object movement restriction device 20c. In other words, the storage location information, for example, in the case of mobile object movement restriction device 20a, information that can identify the location where it is stored in warehouse W, is at least linked to the identification number assigned to each mobile object movement restriction device 20.

[0021] In this embodiment, the position of the mobile object movement restrictor 20 is configured to be measured accurately in real time using GPS satellites S. Therefore, in this embodiment, after selecting one mobile object movement restrictor 20, the mobile object movement restrictor 20 can be automatically and accurately moved from the warehouse W to the selected position by inputting its identification number and information regarding the target location (information regarding longitude and latitude (hereinafter referred to as GPS information)), for example, the GPS information of the starting position P in Figure 4. When storing the mobile object movement restrictor 20 that has been moved to the specified position back into the warehouse W, it is possible to return the mobile object movement restrictor 20 to its original position in the warehouse W by inputting its identification number and the GPS information of the storage position stored in the memory unit.

[0022] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the mobile object movement restriction device 20 according to this embodiment comprises a device body 21, a control unit 22 as a control means, a drive unit 23 as a movement means, a GPS unit 24 as a position identification means and receiving device, an anomaly detection unit 25 as a detection means, and a communication unit 26.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the device body 21 according to this embodiment is a known road cone, and is a device having a main body formed in a hollow, substantially frustoconical shape and a bottom plate extending outward from the lower end of the main body. In this embodiment, a resin road cone commonly used at construction sites is used as the device body 21, but its shape (for example, area and height when viewed from above) and material (for example, resin, metal) are not particularly limited as long as they can restrict the movement of moving objects (for example, people or vehicles) to some extent.

[0024] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the control unit 22, drive unit 23, GPS unit 24, anomaly detection unit 25, and communication unit 26 according to this embodiment are electrically connected via a bus and are housed inside the device body 21 and attached to the device body 21.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 22 primarily controls the drive unit 23 based on location information transmitted from the operating terminal 10, and also controls the transmission of GPS signals and abnormal signals (described later) to the operating terminal 10. Such a control unit 22 can be configured using, for example, a microcomputer equipped with a central processing unit and memory device. The control processing performed by the control unit 22 of the mobile object movement restriction device 20 will be described later (see Figures 5 and 6).

[0026] The drive unit 23 consists of a drive device such as a motor and operates according to commands from the control unit 22. In this embodiment, the drive unit 23 is configured to have a pair of opposing shafts connected to it, and to transmit different rotational forces to each shaft. In this embodiment, a rotating wheel 27, 27 is connected to each of the shafts, and a pair of known caster wheels 28, 28 are attached to the underside of the bottom plate of the device body 21.

[0027] In this embodiment, when the pair of rotating wheels 27, 27 are rotated in the same direction with the same rotational force, the device body 21 can be moved in a straight line in a predetermined direction. On the other hand, for example, when the right rotating wheel 27 in Figure 2 is rotated in the same direction as the left rotating wheel 27 but with less rotational force than the left rotating wheel 27, the device body 21 can be moved in a curved direction clockwise.

[0028] The GPS unit 24, like known GPS units, is configured to receive radio waves transmitted from GPS satellites S, convert them into electrical signals, and transmit these electrical signals (GPS signals) to an external device (in this embodiment, the operating terminal 10). This makes it possible to display the location of the mobile object movement restriction device 20 on the display unit 10a of the operating terminal 10 while map data is displayed (see "mobile object movement restriction devices 20a to 20f" stored in "warehouse W" in Figure 4).

[0029] As will be described in more detail later, in this embodiment, when the target location of the mobile object movement restricting device 20 (for example, the latitude and longitude of the mobile object movement restricting location or the retrieval location) is input via the display unit 10a of the operating terminal 10 (see Figure 7, etc.), the mobile object movement restricting device 20 can be moved to the target location.

[0030] The abnormality detection unit 25 is a device for detecting the state of the mobile object movement restrictor 20. Specifically, the abnormality detection unit 25 according to this embodiment is configured to detect whether or not the mobile object movement restrictor 20 (device body 21) is unable to move on its own due to the device body 21 tilting or a malfunction in any of the devices such as the drive unit 23. For example, such an abnormality detection unit 25 can be implemented by using a known tilt sensor when detecting whether or not the device body 21 is tilting, or by using a sensor that measures the value of current, etc., when detecting a malfunction in any of the devices.

[0031] In this embodiment, if a malfunction such as failure of the mobile object movement restrictor 20 is detected, a signal indicating this (hereinafter referred to as the "abnormal signal") is transmitted to the operating terminal 10 (see "mobile object movement restrictor 20d" and "mobile object movement restrictor 20e" in Figure 4).

[0032] For example, in this mobile object movement restriction system 1, as shown in Figure 4, when moving four mobile object movement restriction devices 20 from among multiple mobile object movement restriction devices 20 stored in warehouse W to mobile object movement restriction positions (movement target positions) on the driving practice course C, the system is configured to perform the following processes (1) to (3). Note that the example shown in Figure 4 shows a case where mobile object movement restriction devices 20d and 20e are malfunctioning or otherwise unable to move. (1) First, mobile object movement restrictors 20d and 20e are excluded from the list of candidate mobile object movement restrictors 20. (2) Next, four optimal mobile object movement restrictors 20 (for example, mobile object movement restrictors 20 with short travel distances) are selected from the remaining mobile object movement restrictors 20 (mobile object movement restrictors 20a to 20c and 20f). (3) Then, the selected mobile object movement restrictors 20 are moved toward the target movement position (mobile object movement restriction position).

[0033] This makes it possible to move the relevant mobile object movement restriction device 20 efficiently and in a short amount of time.

[0034] The communication unit 26 is an interface that can communicate with external communication equipment (in this embodiment, the operating terminal 10) via a public communication line N. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of stabilizing the communication environment of the mobile movement control device 20, it is preferable to install a wireless LAN device L (see Figure 4) within the vehicle driving practice facility F.

[0035] Next, the operation (control processing) of this mobile object movement restriction system 1 will be explained with reference to Figures 4 to 8. For the sake of convenience, the following explanation will take the case where the mobile object movement restriction device 20 is moved between the warehouse W and the driving practice course C in the vehicle driving practice facility F shown in Figure 4 as an example. Furthermore, in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, the explanation will be divided into two parts: the case where the mobile object movement restriction device 20 is placed from the warehouse W to the mobile object movement restriction position in the driving practice course C (mobile object movement restriction position placement processing), and the case where the mobile object movement restriction device 20 placed at the mobile object movement restriction position in the driving practice course C is retrieved back to the warehouse W (storage position placement processing).

[0036] First, the mobile object movement restriction position placement process in the mobile object movement restriction system 1 will be explained with reference to Figures 4, 5, and 7. For the sake of convenience in the following explanation, it will be assumed that (1) the mobile object movement restriction program is installed on the operation terminal 10, (2) the operation terminal 10 and the mobile object movement restriction devices 20a to 20i are in a state where they can communicate, (3) information regarding the mobile object movement restriction devices 20a to 20i (various information such as the identification number, storage location, and current location mentioned above) is registered in advance in the memory of the operation terminal 10, and (4) among the multiple mobile object movement restriction devices 20 stored in the warehouse W, mobile object movement restriction devices 20d and 20e are in a state where they cannot move under their own power due to tilting or malfunction, etc.

[0037] As shown in Figure 5, this mobile object movement restriction process begins by first activating the mobile object movement restriction program (application) on the operation terminal 10, and then determining whether or not the start operation to move the mobile object movement restriction device 20 to the driving practice course C has been performed (step S101). Specifically, in step S101, the process determines whether or not the icon with the words "Place road cones on the course" has been tapped on the initial image displayed on the display unit 10a of the operation terminal 10 when the mobile object movement restriction program is activated (see Figure 7(a)).

[0038] Next, in the mobile object movement restriction process, when the operation terminal 10 performs an operation to start moving the mobile object movement restriction device 20 (YES in step S101), it performs a process to send a signal (status confirmation request signal) to check whether it is in a moving state, for example, whether the device body 21 is tilted or whether various devices such as the drive unit 23 are malfunctioning (step S102).

[0039] As a result, in each of the mobile object movement restricting devices 20a to 20i, the abnormality detection unit 25 determines whether or not it is capable of self-propulsion (step S103), and then, based on the command of each control unit 22, information indicating the determination result (status result information) is transmitted to the operation terminal 10 (step S104). In the example shown in Figure 4, among the multiple mobile object movement restricting devices 20, signals indicating that self-propulsion is impossible or difficult for mobile object movement restricting devices 20d and 20e are transmitted to the operation terminal 10, and signals indicating that self-propulsion is possible for the other mobile object movement restricting devices 20 are transmitted to the operation terminal 10. When the operation terminal 10 receives a signal indicating that self-propulsion is impossible or difficult, it is also possible to notify the operator of information related to this (step S105). Possible forms of such notification include, for example, displaying information related to the relevant mobile object movement restricting device 20 (for example, text images or live video captured by multiple cameras C1 (cameras C1a, C1b, see Figure 4)) on the display unit 10a, or announcing it by voice.

[0040] Subsequently, the operating terminal 10 performs a process to determine whether or not information such as the number and arrangement pattern of the mobile object movement restriction devices 20 to be placed on the driving practice course C (hereinafter referred to as "mobile object movement restriction position information") has been input (step S106). For example, the process in step S106 can be performed, for example, by inputting predetermined information on the screens shown in Figures 7(b) and (c) displayed on the display unit 10a.

[0041] The input screen shown in Figure 7 is configured to display map data for driving practice course C as the initial screen (see Figure 7(b)). Information can be entered on the display screen in Figure 7 using the following steps (1) to (4). (1) First, on the screen shown in Figure 7(b), the location where the moving object movement restrictor 20 will be placed will be displayed on the display unit 10a by swiping or scrolling. (2) Next, place your finger on the starting position P of the moving object movement restrictor 20 to be placed on the driving practice course C, and then perform a swipe operation to move the moving object movement restrictor 20 in the direction in which you want to arrange them. (3) After that, tap the "Confirm" icon. (4) Next, on the screen shown in Figure 7(c), input information such as the arrangement pattern of the moving object movement restrictor 20 to be placed on the driving practice course C (in the example shown in Figure 4, it is "straight line"), the number of units to be placed (in the example shown in Figure 4, it is "4"), the spacing in the arrangement direction (for example, "1500"), and the amplitude (the width interval if "zigzag" is selected for the arrangement pattern).

[0042] This makes it possible in this embodiment to determine the placement position, arrangement pattern, etc., of the mobile object movement restricting devices 20 to be placed on the driving practice course C (see "mobile object movement restricting devices 20a~20c, 20f" shown by the dashed lines in Figure 4).

[0043] Subsequently, the operating terminal 10, based on the input mobile object movement restriction position information, selects a mobile object movement restriction device 20 suitable for placement on the driving practice course C from among the mobile object movement restriction devices 20a to 20i stored in warehouse W, and performs a process to determine its movement pattern (step S107).

[0044] The criteria for selecting the optimal mobile object movement restrictor 20 in step S107 may include, for example, selecting one with a short travel distance, or selecting one with a recent manufacturing date. With this configuration, in the former case, the mobile object movement restrictor 20 can be placed in the mobile object movement restricting position in a short time, and in the latter case, the mobile object movement restrictor 20 is less likely to malfunction or stop during movement, making it possible to stably place the mobile object movement restrictor 20 in the mobile object movement restricting position. Figure 4 (when mobile object movement restrictors 20d and 20e are unable or difficult to move under their own power) shows the case where the former criteria are adopted.

[0045] In step S107, the operating terminal 10 is configured to select the optimal mobile object movement restrictor 20 and then determine the movement pattern of the selected mobile object movement restrictor 20. Using Figure 4 as an example, the operating terminal 10 determines the following: (1) to move each of the mobile object movement restrictors 20a-20c and 20f, shown by solid lines, in a straight line toward the positions of the mobile object movement restrictors 20a-20c and 20f, shown by dashed lines; and (2) to move the mobile object movement restrictors 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20f in the order of staggered start times (for example, 30 seconds) to prevent the mobile object movement restrictors 20 from coming into contact with each other during movement. The above-mentioned start time and order of movement can be changed as appropriate, provided that the mobile object movement restrictors 20 do not come into contact with each other. In addition to or instead of these, it is also possible to set the movement speed, movement path, etc.

[0046] Subsequently, the operating terminal 10 performs a process to transmit information regarding the content determined in step S107 (hereinafter referred to as "movement command information") to the corresponding mobile object movement restriction device 20 (step S108). Using Figure 4 as an example, the operating terminal 10 performs control to transmit, for example, movement command information to the mobile object movement restriction device 20a such as "GPS information of the mobile object movement restriction position: longitude X, latitude Y (longitude and latitude of the mobile object movement restriction device 20a shown by the dashed line)" and "driving pattern: straight ahead".

[0047] This makes it possible to move the mobile body movement restricting device 20, which has received the movement command information, toward the mobile body movement restricting position (for example, each position shown by the dashed line in Figure 4) according to the position information and travel pattern indicated by the movement command information (step S109).

[0048] Subsequently, when the mobile object movement restriction device 20 reaches the movement restriction position ("YES" in step S110), it transmits information indicating that the movement has been completed (movement completion information) to the mobile terminal 10 (step S111). Upon receiving this information, the mobile terminal 10 performs a notification process (notification process) to display this information on the display unit 10a (step S112). In the notification process in step S112, it is also possible to configure the device to display video (moving images, still images) to confirm whether the mobile object movement restriction device 20 is reliably positioned at the movement restriction position. Such a configuration can be realized, for example, by installing multiple cameras C2 (cameras C2a to C2c) around the driving practice course C, and transmitting the video captured by these multiple cameras C2 at the timing when the mobile object movement restriction device 20 sends the movement completion information (step S111), etc.

[0049] Next, the storage position placement process in the mobile body movement restriction system 1 will be described with reference to Figures 4, 6, and 8. Note that the storage position placement process according to this embodiment (see Figure 8) is configured to perform some control processing similar to the mobile body movement restriction position placement process described above (see Figure 7). Therefore, unless necessary, the following description will focus on the different control processing.

[0050] As shown in Figure 6, this storage position placement process begins by first activating the mobile object movement restriction program on the operation terminal 10, similar to the mobile object movement restriction position placement process described above (see Figure 7), and then determining whether or not a start operation has been performed to store the mobile object movement restriction device 20 in the warehouse W (step S201). Specifically, in step S201, the operation terminal 10 determines whether or not an icon with the words "Store Road Cone" is tapped on the initial image displayed on the display unit 10a (see Figure 7(a)).

[0051] Subsequently, in the storage position placement process according to this embodiment, the same process as steps S102 to S104 of the mobile body movement restriction position placement process described above (see Figure 7) is performed, that is, the operation terminal 10 transmits a mobile body movement restriction device status confirmation request signal (step S202), and the mobile body movement restriction device 20 performs a status confirmation process (step S203) and a process to transmit status confirmation information (step S204). This makes it possible for the user who owns the operation terminal 10 to understand the status of the mobile body movement restriction device 20 placed on the driving practice course C, for example, whether or not the mobile body movement restriction device 20 is in a state where it can move under its own power.

[0052] In this case, it is preferable that the operating terminal 10 displays the status of the mobile object movement restriction device 20 in detail, for example, by displaying text images on the display unit 10a such as "All road cones on the driving practice course are capable of self-propulsion!" or "Some road cones have fallen over." In particular, if there are mobile object movement restriction devices 20 that are unable to self-propel or have difficulty doing so, it is even more preferable to configure the system to display a live image as shown in Figure 8(a). Such a configuration can be realized, for example, by installing multiple cameras C2 (cameras C2a to C2c) around the driving practice course C, and transmitting the images captured by the multiple cameras C2 at the timing when the mobile object movement restriction device 20 sends information that it has completed its movement (step S111), etc.

[0053] Furthermore, in this case, the system can be configured to transmit a signal from the mobile object movement restrictor 20 when it becomes capable of self-propulsion, for example, when a fallen mobile object movement restrictor 20 is raised upright. With this configuration, for example, an image like the one shown in Figure 8(b) can be displayed on the operating terminal 10, and as a result, the retrieval of the mobile object movement restrictor 20 can be carried out smoothly.

[0054] In this embodiment, the user then inputs information to the operating terminal 10 for storing the mobile object movement restrictor 20 in the warehouse W (step S206), causing the corresponding mobile object movement restrictor 20 to move toward the warehouse W (step S207).

[0055] The information transmitted in step S206 includes the storage position when the mobile object movement restrictor 20 was registered with the operation terminal 10. For example, in the case of the mobile object movement restrictor 20a shown by the dashed line in Figure 4, the information (longitude and latitude) indicating the position of the mobile object movement restrictor 20a shown by the solid line is included. This makes it possible in this embodiment to move the mobile object movement restrictor 20 back to its original position before it was taken out of the warehouse W.

[0056] In this storage position placement process, when the mobile object movement restriction device 20 moves back to its original position within the warehouse W, the operation terminal 10 is configured to display this information on the display unit 10a, similar to the mobile object movement restriction position placement process (see Figure 5) (steps S209, S210). In addition, in the notification process in step S210, it is also possible to configure the system to display video (moving images, still images) to confirm whether the mobile object movement restriction device 20 is securely placed in the storage position. Such a configuration can be realized, for example, by installing multiple cameras C1 (cameras C1a, C1b) around the warehouse W (see Figure 4) and transmitting the video captured by the multiple cameras C1 at the timing when the mobile object movement restriction device 20 reaches the storage position (step S209).

[0057] As described above, the mobile object movement restriction system 1 and mobile object movement restriction device 20 according to this embodiment can perform the operation of moving to the target position (mobile object movement restriction position or storage position) automatically, thereby reliably simplifying the operation.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a series of operations such as transporting the vehicle from warehouse W to driving practice course C, placing it at a location on driving practice course C where movement of the vehicle is restricted, and retrieving it from the placement location back to warehouse W can be performed automatically.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the abnormality detection unit 25 detects that the mobile object movement restricting device 20 is unable or difficult to move under its own power, the detection result is transmitted to the control terminal 10. Therefore, in this embodiment, for example, if the mobile object movement restricting device 20 is tilted, it can be returned to an upright position, or if it is malfunctioning, it can be repaired, etc., in a timely manner.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the mobile body movement restricting device 20 is configured to move along the shortest path toward the target movement position (mobile body movement restricting position or storage position) (see Figure 4). Therefore, in this embodiment, the mobile body movement restricting device 20 can be moved to the target movement position efficiently and in a short amount of time.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the position of the mobile object movement restricting device 20 is determined (positioned) using GPS satellites S, so that the mobile object movement restricting device 20 can be moved accurately to the target movement position (mobile object movement restricting position, storage position).

[0062] The technologies disclosed herein are not limited to the embodiments, examples, and modifications described above. The technologies disclosed herein can be implemented in various configurations without departing from the spirit of the invention. The technical features of the embodiments, examples, and modifications described above that correspond to the technical features of each form described in the summary of the invention may be substituted and combined in order to solve some or all of the above-described problems or to achieve some or all of the above-described effects. Furthermore, technical features not described as essential in this specification may be deleted as necessary.

[0063] For example, in this embodiment, information regarding the mobile object movement restriction device 20, such as an identification number and GPS information of its storage location, is stored in the operating terminal 10. However, it is also possible to configure the system to store such information in another management device, such as a management server. This configuration can reduce the control burden on the operating terminal 10.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the position of the mobile object movement restrictor 20 is determined (positioned) using GPS satellites S, but other positioning methods can be used in addition to or instead of this. Examples of such positioning methods include techniques (image recognition techniques) that determine the position based on images captured by imaging means such as cameras C1 and C2 in Figure 4. By configuring the system to use other positioning methods in addition to the positioning method using GPS satellites S, the mobile object movement restrictor 20 can be moved to the target location (storage location, mobile object movement restricting location) with greater accuracy.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the movement mode (movement path such as moving straight) of the mobile object movement restrictor 20 is determined on the operation terminal 10 side (see "Step S107" in Figure 5, etc.), but in addition to or instead, it is also possible to determine it on the mobile object movement restrictor 20 side. Such a configuration can be realized, for example, by providing an imaging means such as a camera on the mobile object movement restrictor 20, and by controlling the drive unit 23 in the control unit 22 to avoid obstacles when they are imaged while the mobile object movement restrictor 20 is moving.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the mobile object movement restriction device 20 is configured not to perform any special control such as notification when a malfunction occurs while it is in motion, but it is also possible to configure it to do so. Such a configuration can be achieved by providing a notification unit 29 such as a speaker or light-emitting means in the mobile object movement restriction device 20 (see Figure 3), and by controlling the control unit 22 to activate the notification unit 29 when a malfunction occurs.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rotating wheels 27, 27 of the mobile body movement restrictor 20 are arranged to be exposed laterally from the bottom plate portion of the device body 21 (see Figure 4), but if the device body 21 can be moved, they can also be arranged to be concealed. Also, in this embodiment, the mobile body movement restrictor 20 is provided with a two-wheel drive type drive unit 23, but other wheel drive types (e.g., four-wheel drive type) may also be provided. Moreover, the drive unit is not limited to a wheel drive type, and may be a type that does not use wheels (e.g., a hovercraft type).

[0068] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example was given in which four mobile body movement restricting devices 20 are placed at the target movement position (mobile body movement restricting position, storage position) (see Figure 4, etc.), but the number may be three or less (for example, one), or it may be five or more.

[0069] Furthermore, while a vehicle (e.g., a motorcycle) was used as an example of a mobile object in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and could also be, for example, a person practicing skateboarding or roller skating. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0070] 1… Mobile movement restriction system 10…Operating terminal 10a...Display section 20, 20a~20i... Mobile object movement restriction devices 21…Main body of the device 22... Control unit (control means) 23…Drive unit (means of movement) 24…GPS unit (means of determining location, receiving device) 25... Anomaly detection unit (detection means) 26... Communications Department 27…Rotating Wheel 28... Caster wheels N...Public communication line S…GPS satellite L…Wireless LAN device F... Vehicle driving practice facility C...Driving practice course W... Warehouse (target location, storage location) P...Starting point position (moving target position, moving object movement restriction position) C1, C1a, C1b, C2, C2a~C2d... Cameras

Claims

1. A mobile object movement restricting device that can restrict the movement of a mobile object by being placed on the movement path of the mobile object, The main body of the device, The device body is provided with a means of moving the device body on its own, A positioning means capable of identifying the position of the main body of the aforementioned device, A control means is provided on the device body and operates the moving means based on an external command indicating the target position of the device body to move the device body toward the target position, and autonomously controls the moving means until it reaches the target position. A device for restricting the movement of mobile objects.

2. The aforementioned target movement position includes a storage position for housing the mobile body movement restricting device and a mobile body movement restricting position that is placed on the movement path of the mobile body to restrict the movement of the mobile body. The mobile body movement restricting device according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls the movement of the device body between the storage position and the mobile body movement restricting position.

3. The device body is further provided with detection means for detecting whether or not it is in a state where it can move toward the target position. The mobile body movement restricting device according to claim 1, wherein the control means performs control to output to the outside information indicating that the device body is unable or unable to move under its own power when the detection result detected by the detection means determines that the device body is unable or unable to move under its own power.

4. The moving device according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls the moving means to move the device body along the path that provides the shortest distance to the target moving position.

5. The mobile body movement restricting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the positioning means has a receiving device capable of determining the position of the device body by receiving signals from a satellite.

6. A mobile object movement restriction system capable of restricting the movement of mobile objects, A mobile body movement restricting device is placed on the movement path of the mobile body, The aforementioned mobile object movement restriction device and an operating terminal capable of communicating with it, Equipped with, The aforementioned mobile body movement restricting device is The main body of the device, The device body is provided with a means of moving the device body on its own, A positioning means capable of identifying the position of the main body of the aforementioned device, A control means for controlling the movement of the device body by making the moving means self-propelled, It has, The aforementioned operating terminal is An input means for receiving input of a target position for moving the main body of the device, A transmitting means capable of transmitting position information indicating the position of the moving target to the control means, It has, The control means is provided on the device body and operates the movement means based on the position information transmitted from the transmission means to move the device body toward the target movement position, and autonomously controls the movement means until it reaches the target movement position, in a mobile body movement restriction system.

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