Cargo compartment monitoring device and cargo compartment monitoring method

Abstract

Provided are a cargo compartment monitoring device and a cargo compartment monitoring method wherein cargo information that includes at least information indicating the position of cargo loaded in a cargo compartment of a vehicle is acquired via an acquisition unit, and when a user has newly boarded the vehicle, cargo information for cargo that has been newly loaded in the vehicle is associated with the user and recorded. It is determined whether or not the cargo information has been updated. It is determined whether or not the vehicle has arrived at the user's destination. When it has been determined that the cargo information has not been updated and that the vehicle has arrived at the destination, a first alert is provided via a notification unit.

Description

Luggage compartment monitoring device and luggage compartment monitoring method

[0001] The present invention relates to a luggage compartment monitoring device and a luggage compartment monitoring method.

[0002] A luggage locking device has been proposed that controls the luggage locking mechanism in the trunk of a vehicle, and unlocks the luggage locking mechanism that stores the luggage of a user who has arrived at the destination when the vehicle arrives at the user's destination, in order to reduce the effort required for the user to remove their luggage when getting off the vehicle (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] JP 2020-111990 A

[0004] According to Patent Document 1, the location where a user can place luggage is limited to the vicinity of the locking mechanism, which limits the space available for arranging luggage in the luggage compartment, resulting in a problem that the user cannot freely arrange luggage in the luggage compartment depending on the type, size, etc. of the luggage.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a luggage compartment monitoring device and a luggage compartment monitoring method that reduce restrictions on the space available for placing luggage in the luggage compartment of a vehicle, and allow a user to freely place luggage in the luggage compartment according to the type, size, etc. of the luggage.

[0006] In order to solve the above-described problems, a luggage compartment monitoring device and a luggage compartment monitoring method according to one aspect of the present invention acquire luggage information including at least information indicating the location of luggage loaded in the luggage compartment of a vehicle via an acquisition unit, and when a new user gets into the vehicle, record the luggage information related to the newly loaded luggage in association with the user. Then, determine whether the luggage information has been updated, determine whether the vehicle has arrived at the user's destination, and if it is determined that the luggage information has not been updated and that the vehicle has arrived at the destination, issue a first alert via a notification unit.

[0007] According to the present invention, restrictions on the space available for placing luggage in the trunk of a vehicle are reduced, and the user can freely place luggage in the trunk depending on the type, size, etc. of the luggage.

[0008] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a luggage compartment monitoring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing a luggage registration process of the luggage compartment monitoring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing a monitoring process (before arrival at a destination) of the luggage compartment monitoring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing a monitoring process (after arrival at a destination) of the luggage compartment monitoring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a plan view showing an example of a luggage compartment with luggage loaded. Fig. 6 is a rear view showing an example of a luggage compartment with luggage loaded.

[0009] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0010] [Configuration of the cargo room monitoring device] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the cargo room monitoring device according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the cargo room monitoring device according to this embodiment includes an acquisition unit 71, a communication unit 73, a controller 100, and an alarm unit 400. The controller 100 is connected to the acquisition unit 71, the communication unit 73, and the alarm unit 400 via a wired or wireless communication path.

[0011] The luggage compartment monitoring device is mounted in a vehicle (not shown). For example, the luggage compartment monitoring device is mounted in a vehicle (dispatch vehicle) that is subject to management by a vehicle dispatch service. The vehicle dispatch service acquires requests from users, vehicle information, etc., and determines a vehicle to be dispatched based on the acquired information.

[0012] A request from a user is a request indicating a user's request to use a vehicle. The request includes information indicating the departure point and destination of the vehicle. For example, if the user wishes to travel by vehicle, the request may include information indicating the departure point and destination of the vehicle, i.e., the user's boarding point and disembarking point.

[0013] The vehicle is a vehicle that provides transportation from a departure point to a destination specified by a request, and examples of the vehicle include an autonomous vehicle. Other examples of the vehicle include various transportation means such as a manned or unmanned taxi, a bus, a truck, etc. The vehicle is not limited to the examples given here.

[0014] In addition, a luggage compartment is provided in a vehicle in which luggage to be carried by a user can be loaded. The luggage compartment may be, for example, a cargo loading facility with a fence around it in a commercial vehicle, or a luggage compartment such as a trunk in a passenger vehicle. The luggage compartment is not limited to the examples given here.

[0015] The luggage compartment monitoring device according to this embodiment monitors the luggage compartment of a vehicle to prevent luggage loaded in the luggage compartment from being taken away by a user other than the user who owns the luggage. Furthermore, it prevents a situation in which luggage loaded in the luggage compartment is left unloaded by the user who owns the luggage. In other words, the luggage compartment monitoring device according to this embodiment manages the relationship between luggage loaded in the luggage compartment and the user who uses the vehicle.

[0016] The acquisition unit 71 acquires luggage information including at least information indicating the position of luggage loaded in the luggage compartment of the vehicle.

[0017] The acquisition unit 71 may have a plurality of load detection sensors arranged on the floor of the luggage compartment, and may acquire information indicating the position of luggage within the luggage compartment based on the load distribution on the floor acquired by the load detection sensors. Fig. 5 is a plan view showing an example of a luggage compartment loaded with luggage. Fig. 5 shows luggage BG1 to BG5 loaded on the floor of the luggage compartment. By arranging a plurality of load detection sensors in a grid pattern on the floor of the luggage compartment, the acquisition unit 71 may detect the positions of luggage BG1 to BG5 on the floor of the luggage compartment as numerical values ​​of coordinates AX and AY.

[0018] The acquisition unit 71 may also have an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or the like, and acquire information indicating the position of each piece of luggage in the luggage compartment as well as information indicating the height of each piece of luggage from the luggage compartment floor. Fig. 6 is a rear view showing an example of a luggage compartment loaded with luggage. Fig. 6 shows luggage BG1 to BG5 loaded on the luggage compartment floor, corresponding to Fig. 5. The acquisition unit 71 may also detect the height of each piece of luggage BG1 to BG5 from the luggage compartment floor as a numerical value of the coordinate AZ.

[0019] The acquisition unit 71 may also have a camera that captures an image of the interior of the trunk and generates a captured image, and acquire information indicating the position of the luggage in the trunk through image analysis based on the captured image. For example, a camera may be installed above the trunk so that the entire floor of the trunk can be captured. The acquisition unit 71 may acquire information indicating the position of the luggage loaded in the trunk by comparing an image captured by the camera before the luggage is loaded in the trunk with an image captured after the luggage is loaded in the trunk. The acquisition unit 71 may also acquire information indicating the height of the luggage loaded in the trunk using a camera that captures an image of the trunk from the side.

[0020] If the luggage compartment is configured with a plurality of shelves, each shelf may be provided with an acquisition unit 71. In this case, the acquisition unit 71 may acquire, for each piece of luggage, information indicating the position of the luggage on the loading surface of the shelf and information indicating the height of the luggage from the loading surface.

[0021] Alternatively, the acquisition unit 71 may acquire return information indicating that the luggage has returned to the vehicle. More specifically, when the latest luggage information cannot be acquired for a luggage whose luggage information is registered, the acquisition unit 71 determines that the luggage has been removed from the luggage compartment. Then, when it is determined that the luggage has been removed from the luggage compartment, the acquisition unit 71 may receive an instruction from the user indicating that the luggage has returned to the vehicle as return information. Note that the acquisition unit 71 may receive the instruction via an input device (not shown) or the like.

[0022] Alternatively, when it is determined that a piece of luggage has been removed from the luggage compartment, the acquisition unit 71 may determine whether it is possible to acquire the latest luggage information for the piece of luggage whose luggage information is registered. More specifically, the acquisition unit 71 may detect luggage characteristics such as weight, shape, pattern, and color, and determine whether the piece of luggage whose luggage information is registered has been loaded into the luggage compartment again. Then, when it is determined that the piece of luggage has been loaded into the luggage compartment again, the acquisition unit 71 may generate (acquire) return information.

[0023] The communication unit 73 connects to an external server that provides a vehicle dispatch service and acquires a request from a user. In particular, the communication unit 73 acquires first identification information that identifies the user who requested a vehicle and information indicating the user's destination (destination information).

[0024] For example, the first identification information may be information that identifies the user's terminal from which the request was sent, or may be user characteristics (including physical feature patterns such as fingerprints, irises, veins, and faces) acquired via the user's terminal. Alternatively, the first identification information may be information linked to an authentication card possessed by the user. Furthermore, the information indicating the user's destination includes information indicating the location of the destination (destination location information).

[0025] The communication unit 73 also acquires information indicating the vehicle's position (vehicle position information) from a position identification device (not shown) mounted on the vehicle. For example, the position identification device is a GPS receiver mounted on the vehicle. The GPS receiver detects the vehicle's position on the ground by receiving radio waves from artificial satellites. The vehicle position information detected by the GPS receiver includes latitude information and longitude information.

[0026] The method by which the position determination device detects vehicle position information is not limited to the method using a GPS receiver. For example, the position may be estimated using a method called odometry. Odometry is a method for estimating the vehicle position by determining the amount and direction of movement of the vehicle based on the rotation angle and rotation angular velocity of the vehicle.

[0027] Furthermore, the communication unit 73 acquires second identification information for identifying the user riding in the vehicle from an authentication device (not shown) mounted on the vehicle.

[0028] For example, the second identification information may be information acquired via an authentication device that identifies the terminal of the user riding in the vehicle, or may be user characteristics (including physical feature patterns such as fingerprints, irises, veins, and faces) acquired via the authentication device. Alternatively, the second identification information may be information linked to an authentication card held by the user.

[0029] The notification unit 400 issues various alerts based on the determination results of the controller 100, which will be described later. The notification unit 400 receives information from the controller 100 and presents various information.

[0030] For example, the notification unit 400 may be configured to notify various alerts as visual information using a display, flashing lights, etc. The notification unit 400 may also be configured to notify various alerts as auditory information using a speaker, etc. Furthermore, the notification unit 400 may be configured to generate vibrations and notify the user of various alerts by stimulating the vibrations. The notification unit 400 is not limited to the examples given here.

[0031] Next, various alerts that are issued by the notification unit 400 will be described. When the baggage information has not been updated and the controller 100 determines that the vehicle has arrived at the destination, the notification unit 400 may issue a first alert. The first alert indicates that baggage has been left unattended, and the notification unit 400 issues the first alert to the outside of the vehicle.

[0032] Furthermore, the notification unit 400 may issue the first alert when the controller 100 determines that the package information has not been updated and that the current time is after the notification start time. Here, the notification start time indicates a time that is a predetermined time earlier than the scheduled time of arrival of the vehicle at the destination.

[0033] Furthermore, when the baggage information is updated and the controller 100 determines that the vehicle has not arrived at the destination, the notification unit 400 may issue a second alert. The second alert indicates that the baggage has been moved, and the notification unit 400 issues the second alert to the inside of the vehicle.

[0034] Alternatively, the notification unit 400 may issue a third alert when the controller 100 determines that the baggage information has not been updated within the vehicle's stopping time set when the vehicle arrives at the user's destination. The third alert may indicate that baggage has been left unattended, and the notification unit 400 may issue the third alert via the user's terminal.

[0035] Furthermore, when the baggage information is updated and the controller 100 determines that the vehicle is stopped at a location other than the destination, the notification unit 400 may issue a fourth alert. The fourth alert indicates that the baggage has been moved. Furthermore, when the acquisition unit 71 acquires return information, the notification unit 400 may stop issuing the fourth alert in response to an instruction from the controller 100.

[0036] The controller 100 (an example of a control unit or processing unit) is a general-purpose computer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, and input / output units. A computer program (luggage compartment monitoring program) that causes the controller 100 to function as part of the luggage compartment monitoring device is installed in the controller 100. By executing the computer program, the controller 100 functions as multiple information processing circuits (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160) that are equipped in the luggage compartment monitoring device.

[0037] Here, an example is shown in which the multiple information processing circuits (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160) provided in the luggage compartment monitoring device are realized by software. However, it is also possible to configure the information processing circuits (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160) by preparing dedicated hardware for executing each of the information processes described below. Also, the multiple information processing circuits (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160) may be configured by individual hardware.

[0038] The controller 100 includes a boarding authentication unit 110, a baggage information recording unit 120, an update determination unit 130, a stopping determination unit 140, an alert generation unit 150, and a stopping control unit 160 as multiple information processing circuits (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160).

[0039] The boarding authentication unit 110 authenticates a user who attempts to board a vehicle. More specifically, the boarding authentication unit 110 determines whether the first authentication information and the second authentication information match, and if they match, allows the user who attempts to board the vehicle to board the vehicle. Additionally, the boarding authentication unit 110 may open the vehicle's boarding / exit door when allowing the user to board the vehicle, and may also open the loading / unloading door to the vehicle's luggage compartment. The boarding authentication unit 110 may instruct the user to load any luggage they are carrying.

[0040] Furthermore, the boarding authentication unit 110 may determine whether a new user has boarded the vehicle. More specifically, the boarding authentication unit 110 may determine, after permitting the user to board the vehicle, that the user has boarded through the vehicle entrance / exit based on information from an obstacle sensor (not shown) or the like. Alternatively, the boarding authentication unit 110 may determine that the user has boarded the vehicle based on an instruction from the user.

[0041] When a new user gets into the vehicle, the luggage information recording unit 120 records luggage information related to the newly loaded luggage in the vehicle in association with the user. More specifically, when it is determined that a new user has gotten into the vehicle, the luggage information recording unit 120 records the acquired user information (first identification information or second identification information) and luggage information as a pair. As a result, it is possible to record the position of the corresponding luggage in the trunk for each user who gets into the vehicle.

[0042] The luggage information recording unit 120 may record the captured image obtained by capturing an image of the interior of the luggage compartment in association with the luggage information and the user. For example, the luggage information recording unit 120 may record the acquired first identification information, luggage information, and captured image as a set.

[0043] The update determination unit 130 repeatedly acquires the luggage information of luggage loaded in the luggage compartment via the acquisition unit 71. Then, the update determination unit 130 compares the luggage information with the luggage information recorded in association with the user and determines whether the latest luggage information has been updated.

[0044] The update determination unit 130 may determine that the luggage information has been updated when the position (including the height) of the luggage in the luggage compartment has changed by a predetermined value or more based on the luggage position information. The update determination unit 130 may also determine that the luggage information has been updated when the latest luggage information regarding the luggage to be determined cannot be obtained because the luggage has been removed from the luggage compartment, for example.

[0045] Alternatively, the update determination unit 130 may determine whether the baggage information has been updated during the vehicle's stopping time, which is set when the vehicle arrives at the user's destination.

[0046] The vehicle stop determination unit 140 determines whether the vehicle has arrived at the user's destination. For example, the vehicle stop determination unit 140 acquires the vehicle speed based on a speed sensor (not shown) and determines that the vehicle is stopped when the vehicle speed is less than a predetermined speed.

[0047] Furthermore, the vehicle stop determination unit 140 determines whether the vehicle is stopped at the destination based on the destination position information and the vehicle position information. For example, the vehicle stop determination unit 140 determines that the vehicle is stopped at the destination when the vehicle is stopped at the destination or its surrounding area. Here, the surrounding area is an area where the distance to the destination is equal to or less than a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance may be set in advance or may be set appropriately depending on the vehicle's driving situation.

[0048] Furthermore, the vehicle stop determination unit 140 may determine whether the vehicle is stopped at a location other than the destination based on the destination location information and the vehicle location information. For example, the vehicle stop determination unit 140 may determine that the vehicle is not stopped at the destination when the vehicle is not located at the destination or its surrounding area.

[0049] Alternatively, the stop determination unit 140 may determine whether the current time is after the notification start time, with a time that is a predetermined time earlier than the scheduled time the vehicle will arrive at the destination. Here, the stop determination unit 140 may acquire the scheduled time the vehicle will arrive at the destination from a server that provides an external vehicle dispatch service, or the stop determination unit 140 itself may calculate the scheduled time based on the vehicle's travel plan.

[0050] The alert generator 150 generates various alerts to be notified by the notifier 400. The various generated alerts are output to the notifier 400.

[0051] The alert generation unit 150 generates the first alert when the baggage information is not updated and it is determined that the vehicle has arrived at the destination. Alternatively, the alert generation unit 150 may generate the first alert when the baggage information is not updated and it is determined that the current time is after the notification start time.

[0052] Furthermore, when it is determined that the cargo information has been updated and the vehicle has not arrived at the destination, the alert generation unit 150 may generate a second alert.

[0053] In addition, the alert generation unit 150 may generate a third alert if it is determined that the luggage information has not been updated within the vehicle's stopping time set when the user arrives at their destination.

[0054] Furthermore, when the baggage information is updated and it is determined that the vehicle is stopped at a location other than the destination, the alert generation unit 150 may generate a fourth alert.

[0055] When it is determined that the vehicle has arrived at the destination, the stop control unit 160 sets a stop time for maintaining the vehicle in a stopped state. Then, the stop control unit 160 maintains the vehicle in a stopped state for the set stop time. Note that when it is determined that the baggage information has been updated, the stop control unit 160 sets a first stop time as the stop time. On the other hand, when it is determined that the baggage information has not been updated, the stop control unit 160 may set a second stop time that is longer than the first stop time as the stop time.

[0056] If the baggage information is updated and it is determined that the vehicle is stopped at a location other than the destination, the stop control unit 160 may maintain the stopped state of the vehicle. Furthermore, if the baggage information is not updated within the second stop time, the stop control unit 160 may release the stopped state of the vehicle.

[0057] Furthermore, the stop control unit 160 may release the stopped state of the vehicle when the acquisition unit 71 acquires the return information.

[0058] [Luggage Registration Processing] Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing the luggage registration processing of the luggage compartment monitoring device according to this embodiment. The luggage registration processing shown in Fig. 2 is started when the vehicle that has accepted a request from the user stops at the user's boarding location.

[0059] In step S101, the communication unit 73 acquires first identification information that identifies the user who has requested the vehicle, and second identification information that identifies the user who will be riding in the vehicle.

[0060] In step S103, the boarding authentication unit 110 authenticates the user who is about to board the vehicle.

[0061] In step S105, the boarding authentication unit 110 instructs the user to load any baggage the user is carrying.

[0062] In step S107, the luggage information recording unit 120 determines whether or not the loading of luggage by the user is complete. More specifically, the luggage information recording unit 120 may determine that the loading of luggage by the user is complete based on an instruction from the user or on the fact that movement in the luggage compartment is no longer detected after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0063] If it is determined that the user has not completed loading the luggage (NO in step S107), the process returns to step S105.

[0064] On the other hand, if it is determined that the loading of the luggage by the user is completed (YES in step S107), the acquisition unit 71 acquires luggage information in step S109.

[0065] In step S111, when a new user gets into the vehicle, the luggage information recording unit 120 records luggage information related to the newly loaded luggage in the vehicle in association with user information (first identification information or second identification information).

[0066] [Monitoring Process (Before Arrival at Destination)] Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the monitoring process (before arrival at destination) of the luggage compartment monitoring device according to this embodiment. The monitoring process shown in Fig. 3 is executed before the vehicle arrives at the user's destination, and is repeatedly executed at a predetermined interval.

[0067] In step S201, the acquisition unit 71 acquires the latest package information for the package whose package information has been registered.

[0068] In step S203, the update determination unit 130 compares the package information recorded in association with the user information and determines whether the latest package information has been updated.

[0069] If it is determined that the baggage information has not been updated (NO in step S203), in step S205, the vehicle stop determination unit 140 determines whether the current time is after the notification start time.

[0070] If the current time is after the notification start time (YES in step S205), the notification unit 400 issues a first alert in step S207. The monitoring process in Fig. 3 then ends. On the other hand, if the current time is before the notification start time (NO in step S205), the monitoring process in Fig. 3 ends.

[0071] If it is determined that the package information has been updated (YES in step S203), the notification unit 400 issues a second alert in step S209.

[0072] In step S211, the vehicle stop determination unit 140 determines whether the vehicle is stopped at a location other than the destination. If the vehicle is not stopped at a location other than the destination (NO in step S211), that is, if the vehicle is not stopped or if the vehicle is stopped at the destination, the monitoring process in FIG. 3 ends.

[0073] If the vehicle is stopped at a location other than the destination (YES in step S211), the vehicle stop control unit 160 maintains the vehicle stopped state in step S213. Then, the notification unit 400 issues a fourth alert in step S215.

[0074] In step S217, the vehicle stop control unit 160 determines whether the acquisition unit 71 has acquired the return information. If it is determined that the return information has been acquired (YES in step S217), the vehicle stop control unit 160 releases the vehicle from the stopped state in step S219, and then ends the monitoring process in Fig. 3. On the other hand, if it is determined that the return information has not been acquired (NO in step S217), the process returns to step S213.

[0075] [Monitoring Process (After Arrival at Destination)] Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the monitoring process (after arrival at destination) of the luggage compartment monitoring device according to this embodiment. The monitoring process shown in Fig. 4 is executed after the vehicle has arrived at the user's destination.

[0076] In step S301, the acquisition unit 71 acquires the latest package information for the package whose package information has been registered.

[0077] In step S303, the update determination unit 130 compares the package information recorded in association with the user and determines whether the latest package information has been updated.

[0078] If it is determined that the package information has been updated (YES in step S303), the vehicle stop control unit 160 maintains the vehicle stopped state for the first stopping time in step S313. Thereafter, the monitoring process in FIG. 4 ends.

[0079] If it is determined that the package information has not been updated (NO in step S303), the notification unit 400 issues a first alert in step S305. Then, in step S307, the stop control unit 160 maintains the vehicle stopped state for the second stop time.

[0080] In step S309, the update determination unit 130 determines whether the cargo information has been updated during the vehicle's stoppage time.

[0081] If it is determined that the baggage information has been updated during the stop time (YES in step S309), the monitoring process in Fig. 4 is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the baggage information has not been updated during the stop time (NO in step S309), the notification unit 400 issues a third alert in step S311.

[0082] As described above in detail, the luggage compartment monitoring device and luggage compartment monitoring method according to the present embodiment acquire luggage information including at least information indicating the location of luggage loaded in the luggage compartment of a vehicle via an acquisition unit, and when a new user gets into the vehicle, record the luggage information related to the newly loaded luggage in the vehicle in association with the user. Then, determine whether the luggage information has been updated, determine whether the vehicle has arrived at the user's destination, and if it is determined that the luggage information has not been updated and that the vehicle has arrived at the destination, issue a first alert via a notification unit.

[0083] This reduces restrictions on the space available for arranging luggage in the trunk of the vehicle, allowing the user to freely arrange luggage in the trunk according to the type, size, etc. of the luggage, thereby improving user convenience.

[0084] In particular, since a locking mechanism to prevent luggage loaded in the luggage compartment from being taken away by users other than the user who owns the luggage is not required, restrictions on the space in which luggage can be placed can be reduced. Furthermore, since there are no restrictions due to a locking mechanism, the user can freely place luggage in the luggage compartment according to the type, size, etc. of the luggage.

[0085] It is also possible to prevent situations in which luggage loaded in the luggage compartment is left unloaded by the user who owns the luggage.

[0086] The luggage compartment monitoring device and luggage compartment monitoring method according to the present embodiment may also notify the outside of the vehicle of the first alert via the notification unit, thereby increasing the likelihood that a user who has exited the vehicle will notice that luggage associated with the user has been left inside the vehicle.

[0087] Furthermore, in the luggage compartment monitoring device and luggage compartment monitoring method according to the present embodiment, the first alert may be an alert indicating that luggage has been left unattended, thereby making it possible for a user who has exited the vehicle to be aware that luggage associated with the user has been left unattended inside the vehicle.

[0088] Furthermore, the luggage compartment monitoring device and luggage compartment monitoring method according to this embodiment may determine whether the current time is after the notification start time, using a time that is a predetermined time earlier than the scheduled arrival time of the vehicle at the destination as the notification start time. If the luggage information has not been updated and it is determined that the current time is after the notification start time, the first alert may be issued via the notification unit. This allows the user to be aware that luggage associated with the user is loaded in the luggage compartment and that the luggage needs to be unloaded when getting off the vehicle.

[0089] In particular, since the first alert is issued before the vehicle arrives at the destination, the user can be prompted to prepare for unloading the luggage.

[0090] Furthermore, the luggage compartment monitoring device and luggage compartment monitoring method according to the present embodiment may issue a second alert via the notification unit when luggage information is updated and it is determined that the vehicle has not arrived at the destination. This increases the likelihood that the user will notice a change in the luggage associated with the user. For example, the user may notice that luggage has collapsed in the luggage compartment or that another user is unloading luggage from the luggage compartment (such as a situation where luggage has been mixed up).

[0091] The luggage compartment monitoring device and the luggage compartment monitoring method according to the present embodiment may also notify the inside of the vehicle of a second alert via the notification unit, thereby increasing the likelihood that a user in the vehicle will notice a change in the luggage associated with the user.

[0092] Furthermore, in the luggage compartment monitoring device and luggage compartment monitoring method according to the present embodiment, the second alert may be an alert indicating that luggage has been moved, thereby making the user in the vehicle aware that there has been a change in the luggage associated with the user.

[0093] Furthermore, the luggage compartment monitoring device and luggage compartment monitoring method according to this embodiment may maintain the vehicle in a stopped state for a stop time when it is determined that the vehicle has arrived at the destination. The stop time when it is determined that the luggage information has been updated may be set as a first stop time, and the stop time when it is determined that the luggage information has not been updated may be set as a second stop time, with the second stop time being set longer than the first stop time. This allows the user of the vehicle time to respond so that luggage is properly loaded in the luggage compartment. For example, the user may be given time to rearrange the luggage in the luggage compartment. Furthermore, if luggage has been mixed up, the user may be given time to retrieve the luggage.

[0094] Furthermore, the luggage compartment monitoring device and luggage compartment monitoring method according to the present embodiment may cancel the vehicle's stopped state and issue a third alert via the notification unit if the luggage information is not updated within the second stopped time, thereby increasing the likelihood that a user who has exited the vehicle and left the vehicle will notice that luggage associated with the user has been left inside the vehicle.

[0095] In the luggage compartment monitoring device and luggage compartment monitoring method according to the present embodiment, the third alert may be an alert indicating that luggage has been left unattended, thereby making a user who has left the vehicle aware that luggage associated with the user has been left unattended inside the vehicle.

[0096] Furthermore, the cargo space monitoring device and cargo space monitoring method according to this embodiment may be configured to notify a third alert via the notification unit and the user's terminal. This allows the content of the alert to be communicated to a user who has left the vehicle. Since the content of the alert is communicated to the user even after the user has left the vehicle, the user can come and retrieve the luggage that was left in the vehicle at a later date.

[0097] The luggage compartment monitoring device and luggage compartment monitoring method according to the present embodiment may determine whether the vehicle is stopped at a location other than the destination. When the luggage information is updated and it is determined that the vehicle is stopped at a location other than the destination, the vehicle may be maintained in a stopped state and a fourth alert may be issued via the notification unit. This allows the user of the vehicle time to respond so that luggage is properly loaded in the luggage compartment.

[0098] Furthermore, in the luggage compartment monitoring device and luggage compartment monitoring method according to this embodiment, the fourth alert may indicate that luggage has been moved. This may give the user time to rearrange the luggage in the luggage compartment, for example. Also, if luggage has been misplaced, the user may be given time to retrieve the luggage.

[0099] Furthermore, the luggage compartment monitoring device and luggage compartment monitoring method according to this embodiment may acquire return information indicating that luggage has returned to the vehicle via the acquisition unit, and release the vehicle from a stopped state based on the return information. This allows the vehicle to start moving after luggage has been properly loaded into the luggage compartment. Because the vehicle's stopped state is released based on the return information, unnecessary stopping time can be reduced.

[0100] Furthermore, in the luggage compartment monitoring device and luggage compartment monitoring method according to this embodiment, the acquisition unit may have a plurality of load detection sensors arranged on the luggage compartment floor and acquire information indicating position based on the load distribution on the floor acquired by the load detection sensors. This makes it possible to acquire the position of luggage in the luggage compartment. In addition, since luggage weight information can be acquired as luggage information, it is possible to determine the luggage load balance. As a result, it is possible to contribute to the stability of vehicle driving.

[0101] In the luggage compartment monitoring device and luggage compartment monitoring method according to the present embodiment, the acquisition unit may have a camera that captures an image of the luggage compartment and acquires information indicating the location of the luggage by image analysis based on the captured image, thereby enabling acquisition of various characteristics of the luggage, such as its weight, shape, pattern, and color.

[0102] Furthermore, the luggage compartment monitoring device and luggage compartment monitoring method according to the present embodiment may record captured images in association with luggage information and a user. This makes it possible to present images of the luggage associated with the user when issuing various alerts to the user. As a result, the user can easily recognize the luggage loaded in the luggage compartment.

[0103] Each of the functions described in the above embodiments may be implemented by one or more processing circuits, including programmed processors, electrical circuits, and even devices such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or circuit components arranged to perform the described functions.

[0104] Although the present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to these descriptions and that various modifications and improvements are possible. The descriptions and drawings that form part of this disclosure should not be understood as limiting the present invention. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and operating techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

[0105] The present invention naturally includes various embodiments not described herein. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention is defined only by the invention-specifying matters according to the scope of the claims that are appropriate from the above description.

[0106] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-077535, filed on May 10, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0107] 71 Acquisition unit 73 Communication unit 100 Controller 110 Boarding authentication unit 120 Baggage information recording unit 130 Update determination unit 140 Stop determination unit 150 Alert generation unit 160 Stop control unit 400 Notification unit

Claims

1. A luggage compartment monitoring device including an acquisition unit, a controller, and a notification unit, The acquisition unit is Acquire luggage information including at least information indicating a position of luggage in a luggage compartment of the vehicle; The controller: When a new user gets into the vehicle, the baggage information related to the newly loaded baggage is recorded in association with the user; determining whether the package information has been updated; determining whether the vehicle has arrived at the user's destination; The notification unit is When the luggage information is not updated and it is determined that the vehicle has arrived at the destination, a first alert is issued. A luggage compartment monitoring device comprising:

2. The acquisition unit acquires a position of the luggage in the single luggage compartment.

2. The luggage compartment monitoring device according to claim 1 .

3. The notification unit notifies the first alert to an outside of the vehicle.

2. The luggage compartment monitoring device according to claim 1 .

4. The first alert indicates that the package has been abandoned.

2. The luggage compartment monitoring device according to claim 1 .

5. The controller: determining whether the current time is after the notification start time, the notification start time being a predetermined time earlier than the scheduled arrival time of the vehicle at the destination; The notification unit is When it is determined that the package information is not updated and the current time is after the notification start time, the first alert is notified.

2. The luggage compartment monitoring device according to claim 1 .

6. A luggage compartment monitoring device including an acquisition unit, a controller, and a notification unit, The acquisition unit is Acquire luggage information including at least information indicating a position of luggage in a luggage compartment of the vehicle; The controller: When a new user gets into the vehicle, the baggage information related to the newly loaded baggage is recorded in association with the user; determining whether the package information has been updated; determining whether the vehicle has arrived at the user's destination; The notification unit is When the luggage information is not updated and it is determined that the vehicle has arrived at the destination, a first alert is issued; When the luggage information is updated and it is determined that the vehicle has not arrived at the destination, a second alert is issued. A luggage compartment monitoring device comprising:

7. The notification unit notifies the second alert to an interior of the vehicle.

7. The luggage compartment monitoring device according to claim 6,

8. The second alert indicates that the package has been moved.

7. The luggage compartment monitoring device according to claim 6,

9. when it is determined that the vehicle has arrived at the destination, the controller maintains the stopped state of the vehicle for a stopping time; The stop time when it is determined that the baggage information has been updated is set as a first stop time, The stop time when it is determined that the baggage information has not been updated is set as a second stop time. The second stopping time is set to be longer than the first stopping time. The luggage compartment monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,

10. The controller: If the luggage information is not updated within the second stop time, the stop state of the vehicle is released. The notification unit notifies a third alert.

10. The luggage compartment monitoring device according to claim 9.

11. The third alert indicates that the package has been abandoned. The luggage compartment monitoring device according to claim 10 .

12. The notification unit notifies the third alert via a terminal of the user. The luggage compartment monitoring device according to claim 10 .

13. The controller: determining whether the vehicle is stopped at a location other than the destination; When the luggage information is updated and it is determined that the vehicle is stopped at a location other than the destination, the vehicle is maintained in a stopped state; The notification unit notifies a fourth alert. The luggage compartment monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,

14. The fourth alert indicates that the package has been moved.

14. The luggage compartment monitoring device according to claim 13.

15. The acquisition unit is Obtain return information indicating that the package has returned to the vehicle; The controller: Releasing the stopped state of the vehicle based on the return information.

14. The luggage compartment monitoring device according to claim 13.

16. The acquisition unit is A plurality of load detection sensors are disposed on the floor of the luggage compartment, acquiring information indicating the position based on a load distribution on the floor acquired by the load detection sensor; The luggage compartment monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,

17. The acquisition unit is a camera for capturing an image of the interior of the luggage compartment and generating a captured image; acquiring information indicating the position by image analysis based on the captured image; The luggage compartment monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,

18. The controller: Recording the captured image in association with the baggage information and the user.

18. The luggage compartment monitoring device according to claim 17.

19. A method for monitoring a cargo space, comprising: controlling a controller connected to an acquisition unit and a notification unit, The controller: acquiring luggage information including at least information indicating a position of luggage in a luggage compartment of the vehicle via the acquisition unit; When a new user gets into the vehicle, the baggage information related to the newly loaded baggage is recorded in association with the user; determining whether the package information has been updated; determining whether the vehicle has arrived at the user's destination; When the luggage information is not updated and it is determined that the vehicle has arrived at the destination, a first alert is issued via the notification unit. A method for monitoring a luggage compartment, comprising:

20. A method for monitoring a cargo space, comprising: controlling a controller connected to an acquisition unit and a notification unit, The controller: acquiring luggage information including at least information indicating a position of luggage in a luggage compartment of the vehicle via the acquisition unit; When a new user gets into the vehicle, the baggage information related to the newly loaded baggage is recorded in association with the user; determining whether the package information has been updated; determining whether the vehicle has arrived at the user's destination; When the luggage information is not updated and it is determined that the vehicle has arrived at the destination, a first alert is issued via the notification unit; When the luggage information is updated and it is determined that the vehicle has not arrived at the destination, a second alert is issued. A method for monitoring a luggage compartment, comprising: