Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To improve technology to determine service areas.SOLUTION: An information processor 20 searches a predetermined search area to determine a target area for providing an on-demand transportation subscription service that dispatches a vehicle to a boarding point in response to a request from a user. The information processor 20 includes a control unit 21 that acquires evaluation information indicating an evaluation value calculated for each link for each of a plurality of links connecting a plurality of nodes included in a road network in the search area, selects two or more links from the plurality of links based on the evaluation value indicated by the acquired evaluation information, and determines an area defined by the set of the selected two or more links as a target area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an automobile operation management system for providing an operation service using operation vehicles to a large number of users residing in a predetermined area.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Literature 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A subscription service for on-demand transportation that dispatches vehicles such as taxis to a boarding point in response to a request from a user is known. In a subscription service for on-demand transportation, for example, on the condition that a predetermined monthly usage fee is paid, a method is generally adopted that allows users to use vehicles such as taxis unlimited times only for travel within a predetermined service area, or up to a predetermined upper limit number of times.

[0005] When a provider of a subscription service for on-demand transportation newly introduces the subscription service, it is necessary to determine a service area for providing the service in advance. However, there is room for improvement in the technology for determining the service area.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to improve the technology for determining a service area.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] An information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure is: An information processing device that searches a pre-defined search area and determines the target area for providing an on-demand transportation subscription service that dispatches vehicles to a pick-up location in response to a user's request, The system includes a control unit that acquires evaluation information indicating an evaluation value calculated for each of the multiple links connecting multiple nodes included in the road network within the search area, selects two or more links from the multiple links based on the evaluation values ​​indicated in the acquired evaluation information, and determines the area defined by the set of two or more selected links as the target area.

[0008] The information processing method related to this disclosure is: An information processing method for determining the target area for providing an on-demand transportation subscription service that searches a pre-defined search area and dispatches a vehicle to a pick-up location in response to a user's request, The control unit acquires evaluation information indicating the calculated evaluation value for each of the multiple links connecting multiple nodes included in the road network within the search area, The control unit selects two or more links from the plurality of links based on the evaluation values ​​indicated in the acquired evaluation information. The control unit determines the area defined by a set of two or more selected links as the target area. Includes.

[0009] The program related to this disclosure is A computer acting as an information processing device determines the target area for an on-demand transportation subscription service that searches a pre-defined search area and dispatches a vehicle to the pick-up location in response to a user's request. For each of the multiple links connecting multiple nodes included in the road network within the aforementioned search area, evaluation information is obtained showing the evaluation value calculated for each link. Based on the evaluation values ​​shown in the acquired evaluation information, select two or more links from the aforementioned multiple links, The area defined by a set of two or more selected links is determined as the target area. Perform an action that includes this. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, the technology for determining the service area will be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing device according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 4] This figure shows a first example of a selection process performed by an information processing device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 5] This figure shows a second example of a selection process performed by an information processing device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 6] This figure shows a third example of a selection process performed by an information processing device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a search area according to the embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 8] This figure shows examples of the search area and target area according to the embodiments of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, one embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to the figures.

[0013] In each figure, identical or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the description of this embodiment, the description of identical or corresponding parts will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0014] Referring to Fig. 1, the configuration of a system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0015] The system 10 according to the present embodiment includes an information processing device 20 and a terminal device 30. The information processing device 20 can communicate with the terminal device 30 via a network 40.

[0016] The information processing device 20 is installed in a facility such as a data center and operated by an administrator who manages the system 10. The information processing device 20 is a computer such as a server belonging to a cloud computing system or another computing system.

[0017] The terminal device 30 is used by an operator. The terminal device 30 is, for example, a mobile device such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet, or a PC. "PC" is an abbreviation for personal computer. In the present embodiment, the operator is a provider of a subscription service for on-demand transportation that dispatches vehicles to pick-up points in response to requests from users. The provider of the subscription service provides a service that allows users who have paid a predetermined monthly usage fee to use vehicles such as taxis unlimitedly only for travel within a predetermined service area or up to a predetermined maximum number of times. The terminal device 30 is installed in a facility owned by the provider and used by employees of the provider. Alternatively, the terminal device 30 installed in a facility owned by the provider may be shared by two or more employees. Alternatively, the operator may be an administrator of the system 10. When the operator is the administrator of the system 10, the terminal device 30 may be installed in a control room of the system 10 and used by the administrator. Alternatively, the terminal device 30 installed in the control room may be shared by two or more administrators.

[0018] Network 40 includes the Internet, at least one WAN, at least one MAN, or any combination thereof. "WAN" is an abbreviation for wide area network. "MAN" is an abbreviation for metropolitan area network. Network 40 may also include at least one wireless network, at least one optical network, or any combination thereof. Wireless networks are, for example, ad hoc networks, cellular networks, wireless LANs, satellite communication networks, or terrestrial microwave networks. "LAN" is an abbreviation for local area network.

[0019] The outline of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1.

[0020] When a provider of on-demand transportation subscription services introduces a new service, if the service area includes low-demand roads such as side roads, it may not be efficient from the perspective of energy consumption or demand response. This is because the revenue generated may not cover the costs required to introduce such roads. Therefore, if inefficient roads can be excluded from the service area, it is thought that the service area can be expanded to include as many high-demand areas as possible with limited costs, thereby attracting more users. However, it has not been possible to determine the service area on a road-by-road basis until now. Furthermore, it has been difficult to determine which roads should be included in the service area to maximize profits.

[0021] The information processing device 20 searches a pre-configured search area R1 and determines a target area R2 for providing an on-demand transportation subscription service that dispatches vehicles to pick-up locations in response to user requests. For each of the multiple links connecting multiple nodes included in the road network within the search area R1, the information processing device 20 obtains evaluation information D2, which shows the evaluation value calculated for each link. Based on the evaluation values ​​shown in the obtained evaluation information D2, the information processing device 20 selects two or more links from the multiple links and determines the area defined by the set of two or more selected links as the target area R2.

[0022] According to this embodiment, the area defined by the links selected based on the evaluation value calculated for each link is determined as the target area R2. For example, links with high energy consumption or low demand are calculated to have low evaluation values, and links with high evaluation values ​​are selected preferentially. In this way, an efficient area is determined as the target area R2 from the perspective of, for example, energy consumption or demand response. In other words, the service area for providing on-demand transportation subscription services is appropriately determined. Thus, the technology for determining the service area is improved.

[0023] In this embodiment, each link corresponds to each road located within the search region R1. Furthermore, the area defined as the target region R2 by a set of two or more links is, for example, an area defined within a certain distance from each link included in the set of links. Alternatively, it may be an area defined by each link included in the set of links and the nodes to which each link connects.

[0024] Referring to Figure 2, the configuration of the information processing device 20 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0025] The information processing device 20 comprises a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23.

[0026] The control unit 21 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. "CPU" is an abbreviation for central processing unit. "GPU" is an abbreviation for graphics processing unit. The programmable circuit is, for example, an FPGA. "FPGA" is an abbreviation for field-programmable gate array. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC. "ASIC" is an abbreviation for application specific integrated circuit. The control unit 21 controls each part of the information processing device 20 and executes processes related to the operation of the information processing device 20.

[0027] The storage unit 22 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. The semiconductor memory is, for example, RAM or ROM. "RAM" is an abbreviation for random access memory. "ROM" is an abbreviation for read-only memory. The RAM is, for example, SRAM or DRAM. "SRAM" is an abbreviation for static random access memory. "DRAM" is an abbreviation for dynamic random access memory. The ROM is, for example, EEPROM. "EEPROM" is an abbreviation for electrically erasable programmable read-only memory. The storage unit 22 functions, for example, as a main memory, an auxiliary memory, or a cache memory. The storage unit 22 stores data used for the operation of the information processing device 20 and data obtained by the operation of the information processing device 20.

[0028] A map database DB is constructed in the memory unit 22. The map database DB is a database that stores map information for the entire area where on-demand transportation subscription services can be provided. The map database DB includes information about the road network. Specifically, the map database DB may include information about the road network, such as location information of points corresponding to each node included in the road network, as well as information indicating the length of each link, the width of the road associated with each link, the traffic volume of the road associated with each link, and the number of users who used the road. The number of users who used the road can be counted, for example, based on the number of times on-demand vehicles such as taxis have boarded or alighted.

[0029] The communication unit 23 includes at least one communication interface, which is, for example, a LAN interface. The communication unit 23 communicates with the terminal device 30. The communication unit 23 receives data used for the operation of the information processing device 20 and transmits data obtained through the operation of the information processing device 20.

[0030] The functions of the information processing device 20 are realized by executing the program according to this embodiment on the processor acting as the control unit 21. In other words, the functions of the information processing device 20 are realized by software. The program causes the computer to perform the operations of the information processing device 20, thereby causing the computer to function as the information processing device 20. That is, the computer functions as the information processing device 20 by performing the operations of the information processing device 20 according to the program.

[0031] The program can be stored on a non-temporary computer-readable medium. Examples of non-temporary computer-readable media include flash memory, magnetic recording devices, optical discs, magneto-optical recording media, or ROM. The program can be distributed, for example, by selling, transferring, or lending portable media such as SD cards, DVDs, or CD-ROMs containing the program. "SD" is an abbreviation for Secure Digital. "DVD" is an abbreviation for digital versatile disc. "CD-ROM" is an abbreviation for compact disc read only memory. The program may also be distributed by storing it in server storage and transferring it from the server to other computers. The program may also be provided as a program product.

[0032] A computer, for example, stores a program stored on a portable medium or a program transferred from a server in its main memory. Then, the computer reads the program stored in the main memory with its processor and executes the processing according to the read program. The computer may also read the program directly from the portable medium and execute the processing according to the program. The computer may also execute the processing according to the received program sequentially each time a program is transferred to the computer from a server. Processing may also be performed by a so-called ASP-type service, which does not transfer programs from the server to the computer, but realizes its function only through execution instructions and result retrieval. "ASP" is an abbreviation for application service provider. A program includes information used for processing by an electronic computer that is equivalent to a program. For example, data that is not a direct instruction to the computer but has the nature of defining the computer's processing falls under "equivalent to a program".

[0033] Some or all of the functions of the information processing device 20 may be implemented by a programmable circuit or a dedicated circuit as a control unit 21. In other words, some or all of the functions of the information processing device 20 may be implemented by hardware.

[0034] The operation of the information processing device 20 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 8. This operation corresponds to the information processing method according to this embodiment.

[0035] In step S1 of Figure 3, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 searches for the search area R1. Specifically, the control unit 21 acquires data D1 that indicates a pre-set search area R1 and searches for the search area R1 indicated by the acquired data D1. Data D1 includes information that identifies the area that will become the search area R1 on a map. Data D1 may be acquired by any procedure, but in this embodiment it is acquired by the following procedure.

[0036] In the first step, the operator who intends to set the search area R1 selects a desired area as the search area R1 on the map displayed on the display, which serves as the output unit of the terminal device 30. For example, the operator specifies the search area R1 by touching the desired area on the map displayed on the screen using the touchscreen, which serves as the input unit integrated with the display of the terminal device 30. Alternatively, the operator specifies the search area R1 by drawing a box around the desired area on the map displayed on the screen using any input means. The terminal device 30 accepts this operation as an operation to set the search area R1.

[0037] In the second step, the terminal device 30 communicates with the information processing device 20 and transmits information indicating the search area R1 set in the first step as data D1 to the information processing device 20.

[0038] In the third step, the information processing device 20 receives data D1 transmitted from the terminal device 30 via the communication unit 23. The control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 acquires the received data D1.

[0039] Figure 7 shows an example of the search region R1 in this embodiment.

[0040] In this embodiment, the search area R1 includes a road network comprising multiple nodes and multiple links connecting those nodes. In the example in Figure 7, multiple locations are defined as multiple nodes N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, and N6. In Figure 7, six nodes from node N1 to node N6 are shown, but the number of nodes is not limited to this and can be any number of two or more. The multiple nodes N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, and N6 are connected by multiple links L12, L13, L14, L15, L16, L2n, L36, L3n, L45, L4n, L56, L5n, and L6n. In Figure 7, thirteen links from link L12 to L6n are shown, but the number of links is not limited to this and can be varied according to the number of nodes. Multiple nodes N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, N6 and multiple links L12, L13, L14, L15, L16, L2n, L36, L3n, L45, L4n, L56, L5n, L6n constitute the road network in the search area R1. In other words, the search area R1 includes a road network consisting of multiple nodes N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, N6 and multiple links L12, L13, L14, L15, L16, L2n, L36, L3n, L45, L4n, L56, L5n, L6n connecting the multiple nodes N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, N6. The control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 searches the search area R1 and performs the selection process described later for each of the multiple links L12, L13, L14, L15, L16, L2n, L36, L3n, L45, L4n, L56, L5n, and L6n included in the road network.

[0041] In step S2, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 acquires evaluation information D2. Evaluation information D2 is information indicating the evaluation value calculated for each of the multiple links L12, L13, L14, L15, L16, L2n, L36, L3n, L45, L4n, L56, L5n, L6n that connect multiple nodes N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, N6 included in the road network in the search area R1. Specifically, the control unit 21 refers to the map database DB constructed in the storage unit 22 and acquires information indicating the evaluation value of each link calculated based on the road network information included in the map database DB as evaluation information D2. The evaluation value shown in evaluation information D2 may be a value based on any indicator, but in this embodiment, it is the cost or value calculated for each link. In this embodiment, a high cost means a low evaluation value. Also, a high value means a high evaluation value. Specific indicators for calculating the cost or value for each link will be described later.

[0042] In step S3, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 performs a selection process to select two or more links from a plurality of links L12, L13, L14, L15, L16, L2n, L36, L3n, L45, L4n, L56, L5n, L6n based on the evaluation values ​​indicated by the evaluation information D2 acquired in step S2. A specific example of the selection process will be described later.

[0043] When two or more links are selected by the selection process in step S3, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 determines the area defined by the set of two or more selected links as the target area R2. The control unit 21 then controls the output of data D3 indicating the determined target area R2. Data D3 includes information that identifies the area that will become the target area R2 on a map.

[0044] Figure 8 shows an example of a target region R2 defined within the search region R1 in this embodiment.

[0045] In the example in Figure 8, the links selected by the selection process in step S3 are shown with solid lines, and the links that were not selected are shown with dashed lines. The target region R2 defined by the set of selected links is shown with a dashed line. In the example in Figure 8, assume that seven links, L12, L13, L14, L15, L16, L2n, L36, L3n, L45, L4n, L56, L5n, and L6n, are selected from among multiple links L12, L13, L14, L15, L16, L2n, L36, L3n, L45, L4n, L56, L5n, and L6n, by the selection process in step S3. As shown in Figure 8, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 determines the area defined by the set of selected links L12, L13, L15, L16, L2n, L56, and L6n as the target region R2.

[0046] According to this embodiment, the area defined by the selected links based on the evaluation value calculated for each link is determined as the target area R2. In other words, the service area for providing on-demand transportation subscription services is appropriately determined. Thus, the technology for determining the service area is improved.

[0047] (First example of selection process) The first example of the selection process in step S3 described above will be explained with reference to Figure 4. In general terms, in the first example, links are selected based on the cost calculated for each link. Specifically, in the first example, it is assumed that the evaluation information D2 shows the cost calculated for each link.

[0048] In the first example, the cost per link is calculated using the link length as an indicator. For example, the cost can be calculated by using the link length to determine the increase in the area that must be covered by including that link in the target area R2. In this example, the longer the link, the higher the cost. The cost per link may also be calculated using the width of the road associated with the link as an indicator. For example, the cost can be calculated by using the width of the road associated with the link to determine the decrease in demand for that road. In this case, the narrower the road associated with the link, the higher the cost. Alternatively, the cost per link may be calculated using the energy consumption of the link as an indicator. The energy consumption of a link can be estimated using any method, but for example, it can be estimated based on the occurrence of congestion. In general, fuel efficiency decreases as the frequency of acceleration and deceleration increases, so it can be estimated that links that tend to be congested consume more energy. In the case of autonomous vehicles, energy consumption can be estimated based on the amount of white lines. On roads with few landmarks such as white lines, the power consumption of autonomous driving control increases, so it can be estimated that the less white lines there are, the higher the energy consumption. When using the energy consumption of a link as an indicator, higher energy consumption results in higher costs.

[0049] In step S301 of Figure 4, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 identifies the cost calculated for each link from the evaluation information D2 acquired in step S2 of Figure 3.

[0050] In step S302 of Figure 4, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 compares the cost identified in step S301 with a cost threshold for each link. The cost threshold is, for example, an arbitrary value set by the operator. The control unit 21 performs the process in step S302 for each link. If it is determined that the cost identified for a link is less than the cost threshold, the process in step S303 is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the cost identified for a link is equal to or greater than the cost threshold, the process in Figure 4 is terminated for that link.

[0051] In step S303 of Figure 4, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 selects a link whose cost is determined to be less than the cost threshold in step S302. As an example, among the multiple links L12, L13, L14, L15, L16, L2n, L36, L3n, L45, L4n, L56, L5n, L6n shown in Figure 7, let's assume that the calculated costs for links L12, L13, L15, L16, L2n, L56, and L6n are less than the cost threshold. Therefore, the control unit 21 selects links L12, L13, L15, L16, L2n, L56, and L6n.

[0052] In this manner, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 acquires information indicating the cost calculated for each link as evaluation information D2. The control unit 21 selects from among multiple links the link whose calculated cost is less than the cost threshold. According to this example, the service area for providing on-demand transportation subscription services is appropriately determined from a cost perspective. Therefore, the technology for determining the service area is improved.

[0053] (Second example of selection process) A second example of the selection process in step S3 described above will be explained with reference to Figure 5. In general terms, in the second example, links are selected based on the value calculated for each link. In the second example, it is assumed that the evaluation information D2 shows the value calculated for each link.

[0054] In the second example, the value of each link is calculated using the traffic volume on the road associated with the link as an indicator. For example, the value is calculated by using the traffic volume on the road associated with the link to estimate the demand for that link from the traffic volume. In this example, a higher traffic volume results in a higher value. Alternatively, the value of each link may be calculated using the number of users who used the road associated with the link as an indicator. For example, the value may be calculated by using the number of users who used the road associated with the link to estimate the demand for that link from the number of users. In this case, a higher number of users who used the road associated with the link results in a higher value. The reason why a higher traffic volume or a higher number of users results in a higher value is that a high traffic volume or a high number of users is considered to reflect a large amount of travel demand.

[0055] In step S311 of Figure 5, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 identifies the value calculated for each link from the evaluation information D2 acquired in step S2 of Figure 3.

[0056] In step S312 of Figure 5, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 compares the value identified in step S311 with a value threshold for each link. The value threshold is, for example, an arbitrary value set by the operator. The control unit 21 performs the process in step S312 for each link. If it is determined that the value identified for a link is equal to or greater than the value threshold, the process in step S313 is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the value identified for a link is equal to or greater than the value threshold, the process in Figure 5 is terminated for that link.

[0057] In step S313 of Figure 5, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 selects a link whose value is determined to be equal to or greater than the value threshold in step S312. As an example, among the multiple links L12, L13, L14, L15, L16, L2n, L36, L3n, L45, L4n, L56, L5n, L6n shown in Figure 7, let's assume that the calculated value for links L12, L13, L15, L16, L2n, L56, and L6n is equal to or greater than the value threshold. Therefore, the control unit 21 selects links L12, L13, L15, L16, L2n, L56, and L6n.

[0058] Thus, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 acquires information indicating the value calculated for each link as evaluation information D2. The control unit 21 selects from among multiple links the link whose calculated value is equal to or greater than the value threshold. According to this example, the service area for providing on-demand transportation subscription services is appropriately determined from a value perspective. Therefore, the technology for determining the service area is improved.

[0059] (Third example of selection processing) A third example of the selection process in step S3 described above will be explained with reference to Figure 6. In general terms, in the third example, links are selected based on the cost and value calculated for each link. In the third example, it is assumed that the evaluation information D2 shows the cost and value calculated for each link. The control unit 21 selects a combination of links from among the multiple links in which the sum of the calculated costs for each link is the maximum value, within a range where the sum of the calculated costs for each link is less than or equal to the upper limit. In the third example, it is assumed that the cost calculated for each link was calculated using the same procedure as in the first example. It is also assumed that the value calculated for each link was calculated using the same procedure as in the second example.

[0060] In step S321 of Figure 6, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 identifies the cost and value calculated for each link from the evaluation information D2 acquired in step S2 of Figure 3.

[0061] In step S322 of Figure 6, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 performs combinatorial optimization using the cost and value identified in step S321. Specifically, the control unit 21 performs combinatorial optimization by solving a problem formulated with the selected links, their value, and cost as elements. The combinatorial optimization in this example is the problem of determining which links should be included in the target region R2 to maximize potential needs, given a limited region R2. This problem can be formulated as finding the set of links whose total value is maximized, given a maximum value C of the total cost of the links. The control unit 21 performs combinatorial optimization by solving this problem. Combinatorial optimization can be performed in any procedure, but in this example, it is performed in the following procedure.

[0062] In the first step of the combinatorial optimization process, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 identifies the starting node vi. Node vi can be set arbitrarily, but in this example, it is set by the provider of the on-demand transportation subscription service. When node vi is set by the provider of the on-demand transportation subscription service, the provider can, for example, set node vi at the center of the service area they want to set as the scope of the subscription service. For example, the provider selects node vi by touching the desired location on the map displayed on the touchscreen, which is an input unit integrated with the display of the terminal device 30. The terminal device 30 accepts this operation as an operation to set node vi. The terminal device 30 communicates with the information processing device 20 and transmits information indicating the set node vi to the information processing device 20. The control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 receives the transmitted information via the communication unit 23, acquires the information, and identifies the node vi indicated by the acquired information. Alternatively, node vi may be automatically determined by selecting the point where the total number of users in the set of links connected to a certain node is maximized.

[0063] In the second step of the combinatorial optimization process, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 uses the graph structure of the road network in the search region R1 to find the set of connected links E_best among the links connected to the node vi identified in the first step, such that the sum of the costs of the set of links to be served is within the maximum value C and the sum of the values ​​is the maximum value, based on the value of the link to be added, the cost of adding the link, the maximum value C of the total cost of the added links, and the order constraint for all selected links to be connected. The order constraint for all selected links to be connected is calculated from the graph structure of the road network. In this embodiment, the upper limit of the size of the target region R2 is the search region R1, but in this example, the maximum value C is set as the upper limit of the cost in the target region R2. The maximum value C is set, for example, by the operator. The combinatorial optimization process in this example is formulated as an order-constrained knapsack problem with the maximum value C of the total cost of the set of links as a constraint condition, the sum of the values ​​as the objective function, and the set of links as a variable. The order constraint for all selected links to be connected means that unless a link close to the center is selected, links further away will not be selected. This order constraint ensures that links are selected in order, for example, starting with the link closest to the central node vi. As an example, suppose node N1 is identified as node vi in ​​Figure 7. In this case, the order constraint means that unless link L16, which is close to node N1, is selected, node L6n, which is further from node N1 than link L16, will not be selected. By imposing an order constraint, connected links are selected as a link set, thus preventing the target region R2 from being determined as two or more non-contiguous regions. The control unit 21 finds the connected link set E_best by solving the order-constrained knapsack problem.

[0064] In step S323 of Figure 6, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 selects the link combination obtained as a result of the combinatorial optimization process in step S322. As an example, suppose that the linked link set E_best is obtained in step S322. Also, among the multiple links L12, L13, L14, L15, L16, L2n, L36, L3n, L45, L4n, L56, L5n, L6n shown in Figure 7, the linked link set E_best includes the combination of links L12, L13, L15, L16, L2n, L56, L6n. Therefore, the control unit 21 selects links L12, L13, L15, L16, L2n, L56, L6n as the link combination calculated in step S322.

[0065] In this way, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 acquires information indicating the cost and value calculated for each link as evaluation information D2. The control unit 21 selects a combination of links from among multiple links in which the sum of the calculated costs for each link is less than or equal to an upper limit, and in which the sum of the calculated values ​​for each link is maximized. According to this example, it becomes easier to minimize the cost of introducing the service while maximizing the value as a potential need, so the service area for providing on-demand transportation subscription services is determined more appropriately. Thus, the technology for determining the service area is further improved.

[0066] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, two or more blocks described in the block diagram may be combined, or one block may be divided. Instead of executing two or more steps described in the flowchart in chronological order as described, they may be executed in parallel or in a different order, depending on the processing capacity of the device performing each step, or as necessary. Other modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0067] For example, the information processing device 20 may be configured integrally with the terminal device 30.

[0068] Some embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. However, it should be noted that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to these. [Note 1] An information processing device that searches a predetermined search area and determines the target area for providing an on-demand transportation subscription service that dispatches a vehicle to a pick-up location in response to a user's request, An information processing device comprising a control unit that acquires evaluation information showing an evaluation value calculated for each of the multiple links connecting multiple nodes included in the road network within the search area, selects two or more links from the multiple links based on the evaluation values ​​shown in the acquired evaluation information, and determines the area defined by the set of two or more selected links as the target area. [Note 2] The control unit acquires information indicating the cost calculated for each link as evaluation information. The control unit selects a link from among multiple links whose calculated cost is less than a cost threshold, as described in Appendix 1. [Note 3] The cost is calculated using the length of the link as an indicator, as described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2 of the information processing device. [Note 4] The cost is calculated using the width of the road associated with the link as an indicator, as described in one of the information processing devices described in Appendix 1 to Appendix 3. [Note 5] The control unit acquires information indicating the value calculated for each link as evaluation information. The control unit selects a link from among multiple links whose calculated value is equal to or greater than a value threshold, as described in any of the appendices 1 to 4. [Note 6] The value is calculated using the traffic volume on the road associated with the link as an indicator, as described in one of the appendices 1 to 5. [Note 7] The value is calculated using the number of users who used the road associated with the link, as an indicator, according to the information processing device described in any of Appendix 1 to Appendix 5. [Note 8] The control unit acquires information indicating the cost and value calculated for each link as evaluation information. The control unit selects two or more links from among multiple links such that the sum of the calculated costs for each link is less than or equal to an upper limit, and the sum of the calculated values ​​for each link is the maximum value, as described in any of the appendices 1 to 7. [Note 9] An information processing method for determining the target area for providing an on-demand transportation subscription service that searches a predetermined search area and dispatches a vehicle to a pick-up location in response to a user's request, The control unit acquires evaluation information showing the calculated evaluation value for each of the multiple links connecting multiple nodes included in the road network within the search area, The control unit selects two or more links from multiple links based on the evaluation values ​​indicated in the acquired evaluation information. The control unit determines the area defined by a set of two or more selected links as the target area. Information processing methods including [Note 10] Obtaining this information includes obtaining information showing the cost calculated for each link. The information processing method described in Appendix 9 includes selecting, from among multiple links, a link whose calculated cost is less than a cost threshold. [Note 11] The cost is calculated using the link length as an indicator, according to the information processing method described in Appendix 9 or Appendix 10. [Note 12] The cost is calculated using the width of the road associated with the link as an indicator, according to the information processing method described in any of the appendices 9 to 11. [Note 13] Acquiring this information includes obtaining information that shows the value calculated for each link. The information processing method described in any of Appendix 9 to Appendix 12 includes selecting, from among multiple links, a link whose calculated value is equal to or greater than a value threshold. [Note 14] The value is calculated using the traffic volume on the road associated with the link as an indicator, according to the information processing method described in any of the appendices 9 to 13. [Note 15] The value is calculated using the number of users who used the road associated with the link, according to the information processing method described in any of the appendices 9 to 14. [Note 16] Acquiring this information includes obtaining information showing the cost and value calculated for each link. The information processing method described in any of Appendix 9 to Appendix 15 includes selecting a combination of links from among multiple links such that the sum of the calculated costs for each link is the maximum value, within a range where the sum of the calculated costs for each link is less than or equal to an upper limit. [Note 17] A computer acting as an information processing device determines the target area for an on-demand transportation subscription service that searches a predetermined search area and dispatches a vehicle to a pick-up location in response to a user's request. For each of the multiple links connecting multiple nodes included in the road network within the search area, evaluation information is obtained showing the evaluation value calculated for each link, and Based on the evaluation values ​​shown in the acquired evaluation information, select two or more links from multiple links, The area defined by a set of two or more selected links is determined as the target area. A program that performs an action that includes the following: [Note 18] Obtaining this information includes obtaining information showing the cost calculated for each link. The selection process includes selecting, from among multiple links, a link whose calculated cost is less than a cost threshold, as described in Appendix 17. [Note 19] Acquiring this information includes obtaining information that shows the value calculated for each link. The selection includes selecting, from among multiple links, a link whose calculated value is equal to or greater than a value threshold, as described in Appendix 17 or Appendix 18. [Note 20] Acquiring this information includes obtaining information showing the cost and value calculated for each link. The selection includes selecting a combination of links from among several links such that the sum of the calculated costs for each link is the maximum value, within a range where the sum of the calculated costs for each link is less than or equal to an upper limit, as described in any of the programs in Appendix 17 to 19. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0069] 10 Systems 20 Information Processing Devices 21 Control Unit 22 Memory section 23 Communications Department 30 Terminal devices 40 Networks R1 search area R2 Target Area Nodes N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, N6 L12, L13, L14, L15, L16, L2n, L36, L3n, L45, L4n, L56, L5n, L6n Links

Claims

1. An information processing device that searches a pre-defined search area and determines the target area for providing an on-demand transportation subscription service that dispatches vehicles to a pick-up location in response to a user's request, An information processing device comprising a control unit that acquires evaluation information indicating an evaluation value calculated for each of the multiple links connecting multiple nodes included in the road network in the search area, selects two or more links from the multiple links based on the evaluation values ​​indicated in the acquired evaluation information, and determines the area defined by the set of two or more selected links as the target area, The aforementioned evaluation value is cost or value. The aforementioned cost is calculated using the length of the link or the width of the road associated with the link as an indicator. The aforementioned value is calculated using the traffic volume on the road associated with the link or the number of users who have used the road associated with the link as an indicator, in an information processing device.

2. The control unit acquires information indicating the cost calculated for each link as evaluation information, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit selects from among the plurality of links the link whose calculated cost is less than a cost threshold.

3. The control unit acquires information indicating the value calculated for each link as evaluation information, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit selects from among the plurality of links a link whose calculated value is equal to or greater than a value threshold.

4. The control unit acquires information indicating the cost and value calculated for each link as evaluation information, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit selects two or more links from among the plurality of links such that the sum of the costs calculated for each link is less than or equal to an upper limit, and the sum of the values ​​calculated for each link is the maximum value.

5. An information processing method for determining the target area for providing an on-demand transportation subscription service that searches a pre-defined search area and dispatches a vehicle to a pick-up location in response to a user's request, The control unit acquires evaluation information indicating the calculated evaluation value for each of the multiple links connecting multiple nodes included in the road network within the search area, The control unit selects two or more links from the plurality of links based on the evaluation values ​​indicated in the acquired evaluation information. The control unit determines the area defined by a set of two or more selected links as the target area. In an information processing method including, The aforementioned evaluation value is cost or value. The aforementioned cost is calculated using the length of the link or the width of the road associated with the link as an indicator. The aforementioned value is calculated using an information processing method that uses the traffic volume on the road associated with the link or the number of users who have used the road associated with the link as an indicator.

6. The acquisition of the aforementioned information includes obtaining information showing the cost calculated for each link, The information processing method according to claim 5, wherein the selection includes selecting a link from among the plurality of links whose calculated cost is less than a cost threshold.

7. The acquisition of the aforementioned information includes acquiring information that shows the value calculated for each link, The information processing method according to claim 5, wherein the selection includes selecting a link from among the plurality of links whose calculated value is equal to or greater than a value threshold.

8. The acquisition of the aforementioned information includes obtaining information showing the cost and value calculated for each link, The information processing method according to claim 5, wherein the selection includes selecting a combination of links from among the plurality of links such that the sum of the values ​​calculated for each link is the maximum value, within a range where the sum of the costs calculated for each link is less than or equal to an upper limit.

9. A computer acting as an information processing device determines the target area for an on-demand transportation subscription service that searches a pre-defined search area and dispatches a vehicle to the pick-up location in response to a user's request. For each of the multiple links connecting multiple nodes included in the road network within the aforementioned search area, evaluation information is obtained showing the evaluation value calculated for each link. Based on the evaluation values ​​shown in the acquired evaluation information, select two or more links from the aforementioned multiple links, The area defined by a set of two or more selected links is determined as the target area. In a program that performs an action including, The aforementioned evaluation value is cost or value. The aforementioned cost is calculated using the length of the link or the width of the road associated with the link as an indicator. The aforementioned value is calculated using the traffic volume on the road associated with the link or the number of users who used the road associated with the link as an indicator. program.

10. The acquisition of the aforementioned information includes obtaining information showing the cost calculated for each link, The program according to claim 9, wherein the selection includes selecting a link from among the plurality of links whose calculated cost is less than a cost threshold.

11. The acquisition of the aforementioned information includes acquiring information that shows the value calculated for each link, The program according to claim 9, wherein the selection includes selecting a link from among the plurality of links whose calculated value is equal to or greater than a value threshold.

12. The acquisition of the aforementioned information includes obtaining information showing the cost and value calculated for each link, The program according to claim 9, wherein the selection includes selecting a combination of links from among the plurality of links such that the sum of the values ​​calculated for each link is the maximum value, within a range where the sum of the costs calculated for each link is less than or equal to an upper limit.

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