Mobile body control method, mobile body, and mobile body control program

Abstract

This mobile body control method is executed by a control unit (30) for controlling a mobile body (20) that moves autonomously and sells products. The mobile body control method according to an embodiment comprises: a specification step for specifying a first stop position at which the mobile body (20) is to be stopped; a movement control step for causing the mobile body (20) to stop at the first stop position; an operation execution step for executing a sales operation pertaining to the sale of a product to a first user when the mobile body (20) has stopped at the first stop position; a vehicle-stop continuation determination step for determining, on the basis of status information pertaining to the mobile body (20) at the end of the sales operation, whether to continue the vehicle stop at the first stop position; and a vehicle-stop continuation control step in which, when it has been determined that the vehicle stop is to be continued, a control is carried out to continue the vehicle stop at the first stop position.

Description

MOBILE BODY CONTROL METHOD, MOBILE BODY, AND MOBILE BODY CONTROL PROGRAM

[0001] FIELD Embodiments of the present invention relate to a mobile object control method, a mobile object, and a mobile object control program.

[0002] There are known mobile objects that move autonomously, stop when a user calls out to them, and sell products, services, etc. to the user. For example, a system has been disclosed that, when it detects a specific movement of a person while traveling, stops the vehicle near the person and provides a service to the user.

[0003] However, in the conventional technology, once the sales operation for the user is completed, the moving object resumes moving without determining whether to continue stopping. This can result in lost sales opportunities for other users around the stopping position, and can lead to a decrease in sales efficiency.

[0004] Patent No. 7095757

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and has an object to provide a mobile object control method, a mobile object, and a mobile object control program that can suppress a deterioration in sales efficiency.

[0006] The mobile body control method of the embodiment is a mobile body control method executed by a computer that controls a mobile body that moves autonomously and sells an object, and includes: a specifying step of specifying a first stop position at which the mobile body will stop; a movement control step of stopping the mobile body at the first stop position; an operation execution step of performing a sales operation related to the sale of the object to a first user when the mobile body has stopped at the first stop position; a stop continuation determination step of determining whether to continue stopping at the first stop position based on status information of the mobile body at the end of the sales operation; and a stop continuation control step of controlling the mobile body to continue stopping at the first stop position when it is determined that the mobile body should continue stopping.

[0007] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a mobile object control system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an example of a mobile object control system. FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram of an example of the data configuration of mobile object management information. FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram of an example of the data configuration of product management information. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an example of the data configuration of product management information. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a scene in which a second user's intention to purchase is detected while a mobile object is autonomously moving toward a first stop position. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of information processing executed by a control unit of a mobile object according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a hardware configuration diagram of an information processing device, an information processing terminal, and a mobile object.

[0008] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of a mobile object control method, a mobile object, and a mobile object control program will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0009] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a mobile object control system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0010] The mobile object control system 1 includes a management device 10, an information processing terminal 18, and a mobile object 20. The management device 10, the information processing terminal 18, and the mobile object 20 are communicably connected via a network NW or the like.

[0011] The management device 10 is an information processing device that manages the mobile body 20. Fig. 1 shows an example in which the mobile body control system 1 includes one mobile body 20. However, the mobile body control system 1 may include a plurality of mobile bodies 20. In this embodiment, the mobile body control system 1 will be described assuming a configuration in which the mobile body control system 1 includes a plurality of mobile bodies 20.

[0012] The information processing terminal 18 is an information processing device used by the user C. The information processing terminal 18 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, etc. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the information processing terminal 18 is a smartphone.

[0013] The mobile body 20 is a movable object that moves autonomously and sells an object. The mobile body 20 is, for example, an autonomously moving vehicle, a robot equipped with a movement function and moving autonomously, etc. An autonomously moving vehicle may be called a self-driving vehicle. In this embodiment, a form in which the mobile body 20 moves autonomously along a predetermined route R will be described as an example. Note that the path along which the mobile body 20 moves is not limited to the predetermined route R.

[0014] The target is a product or service sold to user C. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the target is product G. User C is a user who uses the target. Specifically, for example, user C is a user who purchases product G mounted on the mobile object 20.

[0015] The mobile body 20 is provided with a product storage unit 20A and the like. The product storage unit 20A is a component that holds or supports the product G loaded on the mobile body 20. In this embodiment, the mobile body 20 autonomously moves along the route R with the product G loaded in the product storage unit 20A, and performs operations related to selling the product G to a user C whose intention to purchase has been detected (details will be described later).

[0016] 2 is a functional block diagram of an example of the mobile object control system 1. The mobile object control system 1 includes a management device 10, an information processing terminal 18, and a mobile object 20.

[0017] The management device 10 includes a communication unit 11, an input unit 12, an output unit 13, a storage unit 14, and a control unit 15. The communication unit 11, the input unit 12, the output unit 13, the storage unit 14, and the control unit 15 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a bus or the like.

[0018] The communication unit 11 is a communication interface that communicates with the mobile object 20, the information processing terminal 18, etc. via a network NW, etc. The input unit 12 accepts various operations by a user. The input unit 12 is, for example, a pointing device such as a keyboard or a mouse, a microphone, etc. The output unit 13 outputs various information. The output unit 13 is, for example, a display that displays various information, a speaker that outputs various sounds, etc. The input unit 12 and the output unit 13 may be integrated into a touch panel. The input unit 12 and the output unit 13 may also be configured as separate entities from the management device 10. In this case, the input unit 12 and the output unit 13 may be configured to be communicatively connected to the management device 10.

[0019] The storage unit 14 stores various types of data. The storage unit 14 is, for example, a random access memory (RAM), a semiconductor memory element such as a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, etc. The storage unit 14 may be a storage device provided outside the management device 10. The storage unit 14 may also be a storage medium that stores or temporarily stores programs and various types of information downloaded via a local area network (LAN), the Internet, etc.

[0020] In this embodiment, the storage unit 14 stores mobile object management information 14A and product management information 14B.

[0021] FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram showing an example of the data structure of the mobile unit management information 14A.

[0022] The mobile object management information 14A is information for managing each of the multiple mobile objects 20 included in the mobile object control system 1. In detail, the mobile object management information 14A is information that associates, for example, a mobile object ID (identifier), mobile object location information, movement status, service status, mounted products, battery status, and route information.

[0023] The mobile object ID is identification information of the mobile object 20. The mobile object location information is information representing the current location of the mobile object 20 identified by the corresponding mobile object ID. The mobile object location information is represented, for example, by latitude and longitude in real space. The movement state represents the current movement state of the mobile object 20 identified by the corresponding mobile object ID. The movement state is represented, for example, by "stopped" indicating that the mobile object is stopped, or "moving" indicating that the mobile object is moving. The service state is information representing the state of service provided by the mobile object 20. The service state is represented, for example, by "in service" indicating that product G is being sold, or "in transit" indicating that the mobile object is traveling without selling product G.

[0024] The on-board product is information indicating the type of product G on the mobile object 20 identified by the corresponding mobile object ID. The inventory information is information indicating the inventory quantity of each product G on the mobile object 20 identified by the corresponding mobile object ID.

[0025] The battery status is information that indicates the remaining amount of drive energy of the mobile body 20 identified by the corresponding mobile body ID. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the mobile body 20 is an electric vehicle (EV) that runs on electricity stored in a battery. Therefore, an example will be described in which the mobile body management information 14A registers the charge state of the battery mounted on the mobile body 20 as the battery status. Note that the mobile body 20 may also be an engine vehicle that runs on fossil fuels such as gasoline or diesel, a hybrid vehicle that runs on both electricity and fossil fuels, or the like.

[0026] The route information is information that indicates the route R along which the mobile object 20 identified by the corresponding mobile object ID will autonomously travel.

[0027] FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram showing an example of the data structure of the product management information 14B.

[0028] The product management information 14B is information for managing the products G mounted on each of the multiple mobile objects 20 that are managed by the management device 10. In detail, the product management information 14B is information that associates, for example, a product ID, a product name, a product classification, a product unit price, whether or not there is advertising effectiveness, a target product that can be sold, and a target product that is recommended for sale.

[0029] The product ID is identification information of the product G. The product name is information representing the name of the product G identified by the corresponding product ID. The product classification is information representing the classification name of the product G identified by the corresponding product ID. The product unit price is information representing the unit price of the product G identified by the corresponding product ID.

[0030] The presence or absence of a promotional effect is information indicating whether or not the product G identified by the corresponding product ID has a promotional effect. In detail, the presence or absence of a promotional effect is information indicating whether or not the product G will have a promotional effect on other users who have viewed the product G when a user C who has purchased the product G eats the product G or carries it so that it is visible to other users. For example, the presence or absence of a promotional effect is expressed by "yes," which indicates that the product G has a promotional effect, or "no," which indicates that the product G does not have a promotional effect.

[0031] A saleable target is information that represents the attributes of a user C who can sell a product G identified by a corresponding product ID. For example, if there is an age limit for using the product G, information such as "users aged N or older" corresponding to the age limit is registered as a saleable target. N is an integer greater than or equal to 0. Furthermore, if all users C can use the product G, "all users" are registered as saleable targets.

[0032] The recommended sales target represents the attributes of the user C who is the target to sell the product G identified by the corresponding product ID. The recommended sales target is represented by, for example, "adult women" or "children."

[0033] 2, the description will continue. The control unit 15 is a computer that executes information processing in the management device 10. The control unit 15 may be realized by causing a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) to execute a program, that is, by software.

[0034] In this embodiment, the control unit 15 performs information processing such as updating the mobile object management information 14A and the product management information 14B, and transmitting response information in response to request information such as inquiry information received from the mobile object 20.

[0035] Specifically, the control unit 15 receives mobile unit information from the mobile unit 20 at predetermined intervals, the mobile unit information including the mobile unit ID, mobile unit location information, movement status, service status, mounted products, inventory information, battery status, and route information of the mobile unit 20. The predetermined intervals may be, for example, every few seconds or every few minutes, but may be set in advance. The control unit 15 registers the received mobile unit information in the mobile unit management information 14A in association with the mobile unit ID included in the mobile unit information. Therefore, the mobile unit management information 14A is updated by the control unit 15 so that the latest mobile unit information for each of the multiple mobile units 20 that are managed and included in the mobile unit control system 1 is registered.

[0036] The control unit 15 also registers information related to product management input by a user such as an administrator through an operation instruction on the input unit 12, etc., in the product management information 14B. The control unit 15 may also appropriately change the mobile object management information 14A in response to a user's operation instruction on the input unit 12, etc. The route information in the mobile object management information 14A may be set in advance for each mobile object 20 through an operation instruction on the input unit 12, etc., by a user such as an administrator.

[0037] Furthermore, before the moving body 20 starts autonomous movement, the control unit 15 reads product management information corresponding to the product ID of each product G carried on the moving body 20 from the product management information 14B, and transmits the information to the moving body 20. Furthermore, before the moving body 20 starts autonomous movement, the control unit 15 reads route information corresponding to the moving body ID of the moving body 20 from the moving body management information 14A, and transmits the route information to the moving body 20. Furthermore, the control unit 15 transmits response information to the moving body 20 in response to request information such as inquiry information received from the moving body 20. Details of the request information such as inquiry information will be described later.

[0038] Next, the information processing terminal 18 will be described.

[0039] The information processing terminal 18 includes a communication unit 18A, an input unit 18B, an output unit 18C, a storage unit 18D, a sensor 18E, and a control unit 18F. The communication unit 18A, the input unit 18B, the output unit 18C, the storage unit 18D, the sensor 18E, and the control unit 18F are communicatively connected via a bus or the like.

[0040] The communication unit 18A is a communication interface that communicates with the management device 10 and the mobile object 20 via a network NW or the like. The input unit 18B accepts various operations by a user. The input unit 18B may be, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, a microphone, or the like. The output unit 18C outputs various information. The output unit 18C may be, for example, a display that displays various information, a speaker that outputs various sounds, or the like. Note that the input unit 18B and the output unit 18C may be integrated into a touch panel. The memory unit 18D stores various data. The sensor 18E is a sensor that detects various events. For example, the sensor 18E includes at least a position sensor (e.g., a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) or a Global Positioning System (GPS)) that detects the position information of the information processing terminal 18. The sensor 18E may also include a photographing unit that captures images by photographing. The control unit 18F is a computer that executes information processing in the information processing terminal 18.

[0041] Next, the moving body 20 will be described in detail.

[0042] The mobile object 20 includes a communication unit 21, an input unit 22, an output unit 23, a sensor 24, a drive unit 25, a memory unit 26, a sales operation unit 27, and a control unit 30. The communication unit 21, the input unit 22, the output unit 23, the sensor 24, the drive unit 25, the memory unit 26, the sales operation unit 27, and the control unit 30 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a bus or the like.

[0043] The communication unit 21 is a communication interface that communicates with the management device 10 and the information processing terminal 18, etc., via a network NW, etc. The input unit 22 accepts various operations by a user. The input unit 22 is, for example, a pointing device such as a keyboard or a mouse, an input button, a microphone, etc. The output unit 23 outputs various information. The output unit 23 is, for example, a display that displays various information, a speaker that outputs various sounds, etc. The input unit 22 and the output unit 23 may be integrated into a touch panel.

[0044] The sensor 24 is a sensor that acquires information about the traveling environment of the mobile object 20. The traveling environment is, for example, observation information about the mobile object 20 and information about the surroundings of the mobile object 20. The sensor 24 is, for example, an internal sensor and an external sensor.

[0045] The internal sensor is a sensor that observes observation information. The observation information includes at least position information of the mobile object 20. The position information may be a relative position or an absolute position. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the position information is an absolute position represented by latitude and longitude. The internal sensor includes, for example, a position sensor (GNSS, GPS). The observation information may also include speed, acceleration, etc. In this case, the internal sensor further includes, for example, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), an acceleration sensor, a speed sensor, a rotary encoder, etc.

[0046] The external sensor observes information about the surroundings of the moving body 20. The external sensor may be mounted on the moving body 20 or may be mounted outside the moving body 20. The outside of the moving body 20 refers to, for example, other moving bodies 20 other than the moving body 20 in question, external devices, etc. In the following description, other moving bodies 20 other than the moving body 20 in question may be referred to as other moving bodies.

[0047] The surrounding information is information that indicates the situation around the mobile object 20. The surroundings of the mobile object 20 is an area within a predetermined range from the mobile object 20. This range is an observable range of an external sensor. This range may be set in advance.

[0048] The surrounding information is, for example, at least one of a captured image of the surroundings of the moving body 20 and distance information. The captured image is captured image data obtained by capturing an image. In the following description, the captured image data will be simply referred to as the captured image. The distance information is information indicating the distance from the moving body 20.

[0049] The external sensor is, for example, an imaging device that obtains a captured image by imaging, a distance sensor, etc. The distance sensor is, for example, a millimeter-wave radar, a laser sensor, a distance image sensor, etc. The captured image is, for example, digital image data in which a pixel value is defined for each pixel, or a depth map in which the distance from the sensor 24 is defined for each pixel, etc. The laser sensor is, for example, a two-dimensional LiDAR (Laser imaging Detection and Ranging) sensor or a three-dimensional LiDAR sensor installed parallel to a horizontal plane.

[0050] The drive unit 25 is a device mounted on the mobile body 20 and drives the mobile body 20 in relation to its movement. The drive unit 25 is, for example, an engine, a motor, wheels, etc. The drive unit 25 is driven under the control of the control unit 30. For example, the control unit 30 determines the surrounding situation based on information obtained from the sensors 24, etc., and controls the amount of acceleration, the amount of braking, the steering angle, etc. For example, the control unit 30 controls the drive unit 25 of the mobile body 20 so that the mobile body 20 moves autonomously according to a predetermined route R.

[0051] The storage unit 26 stores various types of data. The storage unit 26 is, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM or a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, etc. The storage unit 26 may be a storage device provided outside the mobile object 20. The storage unit 26 may also be a storage medium that stores or temporarily stores programs and various types of information downloaded via a LAN, the Internet, etc.

[0052] In this embodiment, the storage unit 26 stores product management information 26A.

[0053] 4 is a schematic diagram of an example of the data configuration of the product management information 26A. The product management information 26A is information for managing the products G stored in the product storage unit 20A of the mobile object 20. In detail, the product management information 26A is information that associates, for example, a product ID, a product name, an inventory quantity, a sold quantity, a product unit price, whether or not the promotion is effective, a target product for sale, and a target product for recommended sale.

[0054] The inventory quantity is information indicating the number of products G identified by the corresponding product ID currently in stock on the mobile body 20. The sold quantity is information indicating the number of products G identified by the corresponding product ID that have been sold.

[0055] Information in the product management information 26A other than the inventory quantity and the sold quantity is adjusted in advance so that it is identical to information corresponding to the product ID of the product G carried on the mobile object 20 in the product management information 14B registered in the product management information 14B of the management device 10. For example, the control unit 15 of the management device 10 reads information associated with the product ID of the product G carried on the mobile object 20 from the product management information 14B, and controls the information to be registered in the product management information 14B stored in the memory unit 14 of the mobile object 20. The inventory quantity and the sold quantity in the product management information 26A are updated by the control unit 30 of the mobile object 20.

[0056] Returning to FIG. 2, the description will continue.

[0057] The sales operation unit 27 performs operations related to the sale of the product G loaded on the mobile body 20. In detail, the sales operation unit 27 provides the product G loaded in the product storage unit 20A provided on the mobile body 20 to the user C via the product take-out opening 20B in response to operation instructions from the user C via the input unit 22, etc. The sales operation unit 27 also executes payment acceptance processing and settlement processing for the price of the product G in response to information input by the user C via operation instructions from the input unit 22, etc. When the payment acceptance processing and settlement processing for the product G are completed, the sales operation unit 27 provides the product G to the user C via the product take-out opening 20B. The method of payment by the user C may be either cash or electronic money, and is not limited to this.

[0058] Furthermore, each time a product G stored in the product storage unit 20A is sold to a user C, the sales operation unit 27 detects the number of products G in stock and the number of products sold and outputs the detection result to the control unit 30. The control unit 30 of the mobile object 20 registers the number of products G in stock and the number of products sold, which are indicated by the detection result, in the product management information 26A. Therefore, information indicating the latest number of products in stock and the number of products sold is registered in the product management information 26A for each product G identified by each product ID. Furthermore, each time the product management information 26A is updated, the control unit 30 of the mobile object 20 transmits sales information, including the mobile object ID of the mobile object 20 and the product ID and number of products G in stock, which are the detection result, to the management device 10. The control unit 15 of the management device 10 registers the product ID and the number of products in stock, which are included in the sales information received from the mobile object 20, in the mobile object management information 14A, in association with the mobile object ID included in the sales information. Therefore, the latest inventory information of the product G carried on the mobile object 20 is registered in the mobile object management information 14A.

[0059] Next, the control unit 30 of the moving body 20 will be described in detail.

[0060] The control unit 30 of the mobile object 20 is a computer that controls the mobile object 20, which moves autonomously and sells the product G. The control unit 30 includes a movement control unit 30A, a detection unit 30B, an identification unit 30C, an action execution unit 30D, a vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E, and a vehicle stop continuation control unit 30F. The movement control unit 30A, the detection unit 30B, the identification unit 30C, the action execution unit 30D, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E, and the vehicle stop continuation control unit 30F are realized by one or more processors. For example, each of the above units may be realized by having a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) execute a program, i.e., by software.

[0061] Each of the above units may be realized by a processor such as a dedicated IC, i.e., hardware. Each of the above units may also be realized by a combination of software and hardware. When multiple processors are used, each processor may realize one of the units, or may realize two or more of the units. Furthermore, at least one of one or more functional units included in the control unit 30 may be mounted on an external information processing device communicatively connected to the mobile object 20 via a network NW or the like.

[0062] The movement control unit 30A controls the drive unit 25 to autonomously move the mobile object 20. For example, the movement control unit 30A controls the drive unit 25 to autonomously move the mobile object 20 along a route R represented by route information corresponding to the mobile object ID of the mobile object 20 in the mobile object management information 14A, using, for example, photographed images acquired by the sensor 24 and position information of the mobile object 20 detected by the sensor 24. The route R along which the mobile object 20 autonomously moves is predefined in, for example, the mobile object management information 14A managed by the management device 10, and map information of the route R and real space including the route R is pre-stored in the storage unit 26 of the mobile object 20. The movement control unit 30A controls the drive unit 25 to cause the mobile object 20 to travel along the route R, using, for example, the map information, information related to the route R, position information detected by the sensor 24, and photographed images acquired by the sensor 24. The mobile object 20 autonomously travels along the route R due to the control of the drive unit 25 by the movement control unit 30A.

[0063] The detection unit 30B detects the intention of the first user C1 to make a purchase. The first user C1 is an example of the user C. For example, the detection unit 30B detects the intention of the first user C1 to make a purchase while the moving body 20 is autonomously traveling.

[0064] The purchase intention means the intention of the user C to purchase the product G.

[0065] For example, the detection unit 30B analyzes the captured video, which is a time-series of captured images of the area around the moving object 20 acquired by the sensor 24, to detect user C included in the captured video and determine whether the user C has performed a predetermined action. The predetermined action is a predetermined action that indicates an intention to purchase. Specifically, the predetermined action is, for example, an action such as raising one's hand, and is predetermined. When the detection unit 30B determines through analysis of the captured video that user C included in the captured video has performed the predetermined action, it identifies the user C as a first user C1 who has an intention to purchase. The detection unit 30B detects the intention to purchase of the first user C1 through these identification processes.

[0066] The detection unit 30B may also detect the intention to purchase in response to an operation instruction on the information processing terminal 18 by the first user C1.

[0067] In detail, when a first user C1 who wishes to purchase product G operates the input unit 18B of the information processing terminal 18 of the first user C1, the control unit 18F of the information processing terminal 18 transmits call request information for the mobile unit 20 to the management device 10. The call request information for the mobile unit 20 includes location information of the information processing terminal 18 and a call request signal for the mobile unit 20.

[0068] It should be noted that the location information included in the call request information is not limited to the current location information of the information processing terminal 18. For example, the location information included in the call request information may be information representing a location in real space to which the first user C1 wishes to call the mobile object 20.

[0069] The control unit 15 of the management device 10, which receives the call request information, transmits the received call request information to the mobile object 20. For example, the control unit 15 of the management device 10 identifies, from the mobile object management information 14A, the mobile object 20 that is autonomously traveling closest to the location indicated by the location information included in the received call request information. The control unit 15 then transmits the call request information to the identified mobile object 20. The detection unit 30B of the mobile object 20 receives the call request information from the management device 10 and detects the first user C1's intention to purchase.

[0070] Alternatively, the first user C1 who wishes to purchase the product G may operate the input unit 18B of the information processing terminal 18, causing the control unit 18F of the information processing terminal 18 to send call request information directly to the mobile object 20 without going through the management device 10. In this case, the detection unit 30B of the mobile object 20 receives the call request information from the information processing terminal 18 and thereby detects the intention of the first user C1 to purchase the product.

[0071] The identification unit 30C identifies a first stop position where the moving body 20 is to stop.

[0072] This will be explained using FIG. 1. The first stop position P1 is a position in real space where the mobile object 20 is stopped to sell the product G to the first user C1 when the intention of the first user C1 to purchase is detected. The first stop position P1 is a position around the first user C1 where the mobile object 20 can stop. That is, when the identification unit 30C detects the intention of the first user C1 to purchase, it identifies a position around the first user C1 where the mobile object 20 can stop as the first stop position P1. The identification unit 30C may identify a position where the mobile object 20 can stop using map information, photographed images of the area around the mobile object 20, etc.

[0073] Returning to Fig. 2, the description will continue. In detail, first, the identification unit 30C identifies the position in real space of the first user C1 whose intention to purchase has been detected.

[0074] For example, assume that the detection unit 30B detects the first user C1's intention to purchase by analyzing captured video, which is time-series captured images of the area around the mobile object 20 acquired by the sensor 24. In this case, the identification unit 30C identifies the location of the first user C1 by analyzing the captured video. In detail, the identification unit 30C identifies the location of the first user C1 in real space using position information of the mobile object 20 detected by a sensor such as a GPS included in the sensor 24, the direction of the first user C1 relative to the mobile object 20 identified by analyzing the captured video, and distance information from the mobile object 20 to the first user C1 represented by a laser sensor, a depth map, or the like included in the sensor 24.

[0075] Also, for example, assume that the detection unit 30B detects an intention to purchase in response to an operation instruction from the first user C1 on the information processing terminal 18. In this case, the identification unit 30C identifies location information included in the call request information received directly from the information processing terminal 18 or from the information processing terminal 18 via the management device 10, and identifies the location information as the location of the first user C1.

[0076] Next, the identification unit 30C identifies the nearest possible stopping position for the first user C1 as the first stopping position P1 based on the identified position of the first user C1.

[0077] For example, the memory unit 26 of the mobile body 20 pre-stores map information including information about the route R along which the mobile body 20 will move autonomously and an area where the mobile body 20 can stop. The identification unit 30C uses the identified position of the first user C1 and the map information to identify a position within the area where the mobile body 20 can stop that is closest to the first user C1 as the first stopping position P1.

[0078] Furthermore, for example, the map information may register information regarding areas where the mobile body 20 cannot stop, instead of areas where the mobile body 20 can stop. In this case, the identification unit 30C uses the identified position of the first user C1 and the map information to identify, as the first stop position P1, a position that is closest to the first user C1 and is outside the areas where the mobile body 20 cannot stop.

[0079] When the first stop position P1 is identified by the identification unit 30C, the movement control unit 30A controls the drive unit 25 to move the moving body 20 and stop it at the first stop position P1. Therefore, the moving body 20 autonomously travels to the first stop position P1 and stops at the first stop position P1, which is a stoppable position near the first user C1.

[0080] The operation execution unit 30D causes the sales operation unit 27 to execute a sales operation for selling the product G when the moving body 20 stops at the first stop position P1.

[0081] Specifically, the operation execution unit 30D receives input of purchase information relating to the product G that the first user C1 wishes to purchase.

[0082] For example, the operation execution unit 30D displays a list of products G stored in the product storage unit 20A on the output unit 23, and accepts input of purchase information regarding the product G desired to be purchased by accepting operation instructions from the first user C1 on the input unit 22.

[0083] Furthermore, for example, the operation execution unit 30D may display a QR code (registered trademark) representing a list of the products G stored in the product storage unit 20A on the output unit 23 and prompt the information processing terminal 18 to read it. In this case, the control unit 18F of the information processing terminal 18 reads the QR code displayed on the output unit 23 and displays the list of products G represented by the QR code on the output unit 18C. The first user C1 operates the input unit 18B of the information processing terminal 18 to input the product G that the first user C1 wishes to purchase from the list of products G displayed on the output unit 18C of the information processing terminal 18. The control unit 18F of the information processing terminal 18 transmits purchase information representing the input desired product to the mobile object 20, and the operation execution unit 30D of the mobile object 20 accepts the input of purchase information regarding the desired product G.

[0084] The operation execution unit 30D then executes payment processing for the desired product G. For example, the operation execution unit 30D controls the sales operation unit 27 to execute payment acceptance processing for accepting payment for the price of the product G, payment processing, etc. For example, the operation execution unit 30D may execute payment processing by making payment through an external payment system via the communication unit 21. The operation execution unit 30D may also be configured to include the payment system.

[0085] When the payment acceptance process and settlement process for the product G are completed, the movement control unit 30A provides the purchased product G to the first user C1 through the product take-out opening 20B. The first user C1 receives the purchased product G from the product take-out opening 20B.

[0086] The stop continuation determination unit 30E determines whether or not to continue stopping at the first stop position P1 based on the status information of the moving object 20 at the time of the end of the sales operation.

[0087] The status information represents information relating to at least one of the status of the mobile object 20, the status of the surroundings of the mobile object 20, and the usage status of the mobile object 20 at the time of completion of the sales operation for the first user C1.

[0088] First, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E determines whether the sales operation for the first user C1 has ended.

[0089] For example, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E determines whether the sales operation for the first user C1 has ended by determining whether the first user C1 has completed receiving the product G. Specifically, a photographing device is installed to photograph the product takeout outlet 20B, and the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E determines whether the first user C1 has completed receiving the product G by analyzing the image of the product takeout outlet 20B photographed by the photographing device. A weight sensor is also installed at the product takeout outlet 20B, and the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E determines whether the first user C1 has completed receiving the product G using the weight change detected by the weight sensor. An opening / closing sensor is also installed on the door of the product takeout outlet 20B, and the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E determines whether the first user C1 has completed receiving the product G using the opening and closing movement detected by the opening / closing sensor.

[0090] Then, when the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E determines that the sales operation for the first user C1 has ended, it acquires status information of the moving body 20, which is the vehicle itself.

[0091] For example, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E acquires situation information by acquiring an image of the surroundings of the moving object 20 captured by an imaging device included in the sensor 24. Also, for example, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E acquires situation information by acquiring a detection result detected by a sensor other than the imaging device included in the sensor 24. Specifically, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E acquires situation information by acquiring the ambient temperature detected by a temperature sensor, the ambient brightness detected by an illuminance sensor, the status of surrounding obstacles detected by an obstacle sensor, etc. The status of obstacles is, for example, information indicating whether or not the location is surrounded by an object such as a fence or a wall.

[0092] The stop continuation determination unit 30E also acquires status information by obtaining the number of purchased products G, the purchase price of the products, the battery status of the mobile object 20, etc. from the sales operation unit 27, the memory unit 26, a sensor that measures the remaining battery charge, etc. The stop continuation determination unit 30E also acquires, as status information, from the management device 10, history information for each mobile object 20, such as the sales history of products G and the stop history due to the detection of the intention to purchase, as well as inventory information and location information of products G on other mobile objects.

[0093] The vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E may also acquire situation information from an external system outside the vehicle 20 based on the position information of the vehicle 20. For example, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E may acquire situation information by acquiring captured images from an external system that manages various surveillance cameras installed in real space. In this case, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E transmits a situation information acquisition request including the position information of the vehicle 20 and the vehicle ID of the vehicle 20 to the management device 10 or the external system. Upon receiving the situation information acquisition request via the management device 10 or directly from the vehicle 20, the external system identifies a surveillance camera whose shooting range includes an area including the position represented by the position information included in the situation information acquisition request. The external system then transmits the captured images captured by the identified surveillance camera to the vehicle 20 that sent the situation information acquisition request, either directly or via the management device 10. The vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E acquires situation information by accepting the captured images. In addition, the stop continuation determination unit 30E may acquire situation information from other moving bodies existing in the vicinity of the moving body 20.

[0094] In addition, the vehicle stop continuation judgment unit 30E may acquire situation information by obtaining environmental information such as weather information, temperature information, and humidity information for the surrounding area including the current location of the mobile body 20 from an external system that provides environmental information.

[0095] Then, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E determines whether to continue the vehicle at the first stop position P1 based on the acquired situation information. More specifically, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E determines whether to continue the vehicle at the first stop position P1 based on the situation information at the time of the end of the sales operation for the first user C1.

[0096] For example, the stop continuation determination unit 30E determines whether to continue stopping at the first stop position P1 based on situation information indicating the presence of a second user C2 other than the first user C1 who is present around the mobile object 20. The second user C2 is a user C other than the first user C1.

[0097] In this case, the stop continuation determination unit 30E analyzes the acquired situation information to determine whether a second user C2, who is a user C other than the first user C1, is present around the moving body 20. For example, the stop continuation determination unit 30E analyzes images captured by a photographing device included in the sensor 24 to determine whether a second user C2, who is a user C other than the first user C1, is present around the moving body 20. If the second user C2 is present around the moving body 20, the stop continuation determination unit 30E determines to continue stopping at the first stop position P1. Furthermore, if the second user C2 is not present around the moving body 20, the stop continuation determination unit 30E determines not to continue stopping at the first stop position P1.

[0098] The vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E determines that the vehicle should continue to be parked at the first stopping position P1 if a second user C2 is present around the mobile body 20, thereby reducing the loss of sales opportunities to the second user C2.

[0099] The vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E also analyzes the acquired situation information to determine whether the number of second users C2, other users C other than the first user C1, present around the moving body 20 is equal to or greater than a threshold value. The threshold value may be set in advance. For example, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E analyzes images captured by a photographing device included in the sensor 24 to determine whether the number of second users C2, other users C other than the first user C1, present around the moving body 20 is equal to or greater than a threshold value. If the number of second users C2 present around the moving body 20 is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E determines to continue the vehicle stop at the first stop position P1. If the number of second users C2 present around the moving body 20 is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E also determines not to continue the vehicle stop at the first stop position P1.

[0100] If there are a threshold number of second users C2 other than the first user C1 around the mobile object 20, the mobile object 20 can be kept stopped at the first stop position P1 to increase the possibility of a sales opportunity for the second users C2, the number of which is equal to or greater than the threshold number. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the loss of sales opportunities for the second users C2.

[0101] Furthermore, the stop continuation determination unit 30E analyzes the acquired situation information to determine whether the distance to the second user C2, who is another user C other than the first user C1 and who is present around the mobile body 20, is less than a threshold value. The threshold value may be set in advance. For example, the stop continuation determination unit 30E analyzes distance information and images captured by the imaging device included in the sensor 24 to determine whether the distance to the second user C2, who is another user C other than the first user C1 and who is present around the mobile body 20, is less than a threshold value. If the distance to the second user C2 present around the mobile body 20 is less than the threshold value, the stop continuation determination unit 30E determines to continue the stop at the first stop position P1. If the distance to the second user C2 present around the mobile body 20 is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the stop continuation determination unit 30E determines not to continue the stop at the first stop position P1.

[0102] If the distance from the mobile object 20 to the second user C2 is equal to or greater than the threshold, it is unlikely that sales opportunities will be improved because the second user C2 will incur a burden in traveling to the first stopping position P1 of the mobile object 20. Therefore, if the distance to the second user C2 present around the mobile object 20 is less than the threshold, the stopping continuation determination unit 30E determines to continue stopping at the first stopping position P1, thereby preventing a deterioration in sales efficiency.

[0103] Furthermore, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E analyzes the acquired situation information to determine whether the number of users C present in the area where the distance from the moving object 20 is less than a threshold value is greater than a predetermined number. The threshold value and the predetermined number may be set in advance. For example, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E identifies the number of users C present in the area where the distance from the moving object 20 is less than a threshold value by analyzing images captured by a photographing device included in the sensor 24 and distance information. If the identified number of users C is greater than the predetermined number, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E determines to continue the vehicle stop at the first stop position P1. If the identified number of users C is equal to or less than the predetermined number, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E determines not to continue the vehicle stop at the first stop position P1. Through these determination processes, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E can prevent a deterioration in sales efficiency.

[0104] Also, for example, the vehicle stop continuation judgment unit 30E judges to continue the vehicle stopping at the first stopping position P1 if the attributes of a second user C2 other than the first user C1 present around the vehicle 20 as represented by the situation information are at least one of a promotion target and a sale target of the product G mounted on the vehicle 20.

[0105] In this case, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E analyzes the acquired situation information to identify the attributes of the second user C2 present around the mobile object 20. For example, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E identifies the attributes of the second user C2 by analyzing images captured by a photographing device included in the sensor 24. Then, if the identified attributes of the second user C2 match at least one of any available for sale or recommended for sale registered in the product management information 26A, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E determines to continue the vehicle stop at the first stop position P1. Furthermore, if the identified attributes of the second user C2 do not match all available for sale or recommended for sale registered in the product management information 26A, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E determines not to continue the vehicle stop at the first stop position P1.

[0106] Specifically, for example, assume that the product G carried on the mobile body 20 is a product G recommended for sale to "adult women." In this case, if the second user C2 present around the mobile body 20 is an adult woman, there is a possibility of a sales opportunity, but if the second user C2 is a man, the possibility of a sales opportunity is low. Also, for example, if the product G carried on the mobile body 20 is a product G such as alcoholic beverages that is available for sale to "those 20 years of age or older," there is a possibility of a sales opportunity if the second user C2 present around the mobile body 20 is an adult 20 years of age or older, but the possibility of a sales opportunity is low if the second user C2 is a child.

[0107] Therefore, the vehicle stop continuation judgment unit 30E judges whether to continue parking at the first stopping position P1 depending on whether the attributes of the second user C2 present around the vehicle 20 are at least one of the promotion target and sale target of the product G mounted on the vehicle 20, thereby preventing a deterioration in sales efficiency and loss of sales opportunities.

[0108] Also, for example, the vehicle stop continuation judgment unit 30E judges to continue the vehicle stopping at the first stopping position P1 if the product G purchased by the first user C1, as represented by the situation information, is a specified target that has a promotional effect on a second user C2, who is another user C other than the first user C1 around the mobile body 20.

[0109] In this case, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E checks the advertising effectiveness corresponding to the product ID of the product G purchased by the first user C1 from the product management information 26A. As described above, the advertising effectiveness is information indicating whether the product G identified by the corresponding product ID has advertising effectiveness.

[0110] Specifically, for example, assume that the product G purchased by the first user C1 is a soft serve ice cream that is likely to be eaten immediately after purchase. The product G that is likely to be eaten immediately after purchase is used in such a way that the first user C1 eats the product G in a state where it is visible to the second user C2, who is another user C. Therefore, the product G stimulates the other user C's desire to purchase the product and has a promotional effect on the other user C. For this reason, "has" indicating that the product has a promotional effect is pre-registered in the product management information 26A and the product management information 14B as the promotional effect corresponding to the product ID of the product G.

[0111] On the other hand, if the product G purchased by the first user C1 is a product G that is unlikely to be used immediately after purchase or a product G that is small in size and difficult to see by other users C, the product G is unlikely to be seen by other users C. This is because if the product G is unlikely to be used immediately after purchase, it will be stored in the bag or the like of the first user C1, making it impossible to see the product G from the outside. Also, if the product G is small in size and difficult to see by other users C, it is likely that it will be difficult to see from the outside due to its small size.

[0112] Therefore, such a product G has no advertising effect, and is less likely to stimulate other users C's desire to purchase it, compared to a product G that has advertising effect. For this reason, "no," which indicates that the product G has no advertising effect, is pre-registered in the product management information 26A and the product management information 14B as the advertising effect status corresponding to the product ID of the product G.

[0113] The vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E determines to continue parking at the first stop position P1 when the advertising effect corresponding to the product ID of the product G purchased by the first user C1 in the product management information 26A is "yes," indicating that the advertising effect is present. Also, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E determines not to continue parking at the first stop position P1 when the advertising effect corresponding to the product ID of the product G purchased by the first user C1 in the product management information 26A is "no," indicating that the advertising effect is not present.

[0114] In addition, the vehicle stop continuation judgment unit 30E may track the first user C1 who purchased the product G using a photographing device included in the sensor 24, and if the product G purchased by the first user C1 is included in the image photographed by the photographing device, it may determine that the product G has a promotional effect and decide to continue parking at the first stopping position P1.

[0115] In addition, the vehicle stop continuation judgment unit 30E may track the first user C1 who purchased the product G using a photographing device included in the sensor 24, and if the product G purchased by the first user C1 is included in the images photographed by the photographing device for a period of time longer than a predetermined period, it may determine that the product G has a promotional effect and decide to continue parking at the first stopping position P1.

[0116] Also, for example, the parking continuation judgment unit 30E may judge whether to continue parking at the first stopping position P1 based on the inventory number of products G purchased by the first user C1, which is represented by the status information.

[0117] In this case, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E determines to continue parking at the first stop position P1 if the inventory of the product G purchased by the first user C1 is equal to or greater than a certain number. The vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E can make this determination by identifying the inventory number corresponding to the product ID of the product G purchased by the first user C1 from the product management information 26A. Furthermore, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E determines not to continue parking at the first stop position P1 if the inventory of the product G purchased by the first user C1 is less than a certain number. This is because if the inventory of the product G purchased by the first user C1 is less than a certain number, the product G cannot be sold to the second user C2, even if the product G has promotional effects. Therefore, these processes can prevent a deterioration in sales efficiency.

[0118] If the inventory of the product G purchased by the first user C1 is less than a certain number, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E may perform the following processing. Specifically, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E may transmit, to another vehicle carrying the product G with an inventory of one or more, movement request information including location information of the first stop position P1 and an instruction to move to the first stop position P1. More specifically, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E transmits support request information including a product ID of the product G with an inventory of less than a certain number and a support request to the management device 10. The support request information is an example of request information. The control unit 15 of the management device 10 identifies, from the vehicle management information 14A, a vehicle ID with an inventory of one or more corresponding to the product ID included in the support request information. The control unit 15 then transmits, to the vehicle 20 identified by the vehicle ID, call request information including location information of the first stop position P1 and a call request signal for the vehicle 20. The other vehicle may be a dedicated vehicle for replenishing the product G.

[0119] Furthermore, when the inventory of the product G falls below a certain number due to purchases of the product G by a predetermined number or more of users C, the stop continuation determination unit 30E may transmit the call request information to another moving body directly or via the management device 10. This is because, when the inventory of a specific product G falls below a certain number due to a single sale to one user C, moving another moving body that can sell the product G to the first stop position P1 is unlikely to improve sales opportunities.

[0120] Furthermore, when multiple types of products G are loaded on the mobile object 20, the stop continuation determination unit 30E may determine to continue the stop at the first stop position P1 if the inventory of a predetermined number or more types of products G is equal to or greater than a certain number. The predetermined number may be set in advance to a value equal to or less than the number of types of products loaded on the mobile object 20.

[0121] Furthermore, the stop continuation determination unit 30E may determine to continue stopping the vehicle at the first stop position P1 when it determines that the service provided by the mobile body 20 can be performed with a certain level of quality.

[0122] For example, if the mobile object 20 sells five flavors of ice cream as the multiple types of product G and there are four or more flavors of ice cream in stock, the mobile object 20 may continue to be stopped, but if there are three or fewer flavors in stock, the mobile object 20 may not continue to be stopped. Also, if the service cannot be provided sufficiently, there is a possibility that the expectations of the user C who uses the mobile object 20 will not be met. For this reason, the stop continuation determination unit 30E may continue to stop the mobile object 20 only if it is determined that the service can be provided at a certain level of quality.

[0123] In addition, the vehicle stop continuation judgment unit 30E may judge not to continue the stop if it detects user C's intention to purchase while traveling to a product G supply location such as a warehouse to replenish product G and stops the vehicle to sell product G.

[0124] Furthermore, for example, the stop continuation determination unit 30E determines to continue stopping at the first stop position P1 when at least one of the number of products G purchased by the first user C1 and the purchase price of the products G, which are represented by the status information, is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Furthermore, the stop continuation determination unit 30E determines not to continue stopping at the first stop position P1 when the status information indicates that both the number of products G purchased by the first user C1 and the purchase price of the products G are less than a predetermined value.

[0125] The greater the number of products G purchased, the greater the advertising effect of the products G. Furthermore, the higher the purchase price of the products G, the greater the number of products G purchased, or the more expensive the products G purchased. Therefore, the greater the number of products G purchased, the greater the advertising effect. Furthermore, the more expensive the products G purchased, the more likely it is that a user C will wish to purchase the more expensive products G, and sales are expected to increase. Therefore, when at least one of the number of products G purchased by the first user C1 and the purchase price of the products G is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the parking continuation determination unit 30E determines to continue parking at the first stopping position P1, thereby preventing loss of sales opportunities and preventing a deterioration in sales efficiency.

[0126] Also, for example, the vehicle stop continuation judgment unit 30E judges to continue the vehicle stop at the first stopping position P1 when the status information indicates that there are no other moving bodies within a specified distance of the moving body 20 other than the moving body 20 with which at least some types of product G overlap.

[0127] In this case, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E transmits inquiry information to the management device 10 inquiring whether other mobile objects other than the mobile object 20 with which at least some types of products G overlap are present within a predetermined distance of the mobile object 20. The inquiry information is an example of the request information. The control unit 15 of the management device 10 that has received the inquiry information identifies, from the mobile object management information 14A, other mobile objects that are present within a predetermined distance from the location represented by the mobile object position information corresponding to the mobile object ID of the mobile object 20 that has transmitted the inquiry information. Then, the control unit 15 further identifies, from the mobile object management information 14A, mobile objects 20 with at least some overlapping products corresponding to the mobile object ID of the mobile object 20 that has transmitted the inquiry information.

[0128] If the control unit 15 is able to identify one or more other moving bodies through these identification processes, it determines that another moving body with overlapping at least some types of products G exists within a predetermined distance of the moving body 20. Furthermore, if the control unit 15 is unable to identify one or more other moving bodies through these identification processes, it determines that another moving body with overlapping at least some types of products G does not exist within a predetermined distance of the moving body 20. Then, the control unit 15 transmits response information indicating these determination results to the moving body 20 that sent the inquiry information.

[0129] The stop continuation determination unit 30E of the mobile body 20 determines to continue stopping at the first stop position P1 when the determination result represented by the response information received from the management device 10 indicates that another mobile body with which at least some types of products G overlap is not present within a predetermined distance of the mobile body 20. Furthermore, the stop continuation determination unit 30E determines not to continue stopping at the first stop position P1 when the determination result received from the management device 10 indicates that another mobile body with which at least some types of products G overlap is present within a predetermined distance of the mobile body 20.

[0130] If the same product G is sold in the same area, it may be less convenient for user C. For this reason, if there are no other moving bodies with which at least some types of product G overlap within a predetermined distance of the moving body 20, the stopping continuation determination unit 30E determines to continue stopping at the first stopping position P1, thereby improving convenience for user C.

[0131] In addition, the stoppage continuation judgment unit 30E of the mobile body 20 may determine whether another mobile body with which at least some types of products G overlap is present within a specified distance of the mobile body 20 by directly communicating with the other mobile body.

[0132] Furthermore, the stop continuation determination unit 30E may determine whether to continue stopping at the first stop position P1 depending on the number of products G in stock indicated by the usage status.

[0133] In this case, the stop continuation determination unit 30E determines to continue stopping at the first stop position P1 when the status information indicates that there is no other moving body other than the moving body 20 with which at least some types of products G overlap and that has a larger inventory of products G than the moving body 20 within a predetermined distance from the moving body 20. At this time, the stop continuation determination unit 30E may interrupt the stop of the other moving body other than the moving body 20 with which at least some types of products G overlap, resume the movement of the other moving body, and sell the products G to the other moving body while moving. In this case, convenience for the user C can be improved. Furthermore, the stop continuation determination unit 30E determines not to continue stopping at the first stop position P1 when the status information indicates that there is no other moving body other than the moving body 20 with which at least some types of products G overlap and that has a larger inventory of products G than the moving body 20 within a predetermined distance from the moving body 20. Through these judgment processes, the mobile body 20 with the larger inventory of overlapping products G between the mobile body 20 and other mobile bodies present around the mobile body 20 can continue to remain parked at the first stop position P1.

[0134] There may be cases where the number of users C around the mobile body 20 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, making it difficult for a single mobile body 20 to sell the products G. In this case, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E may determine that both the mobile body 20 and other mobile bodies with which at least some types of products G overlap will continue to be stopped at the first stop position P1, regardless of the inventory quantity.

[0135] Furthermore, the stop continuation determination unit 30E may determine that another moving body with a predetermined percentage or more of the types of products G overlaps with the moving body 20 as another moving body with at least some types of products G overlapping with the moving body 20. The percentage is, for example, 50%, but is not limited to this value.

[0136] Also, for example, the vehicle stop continuation judgment unit 30E judges to continue the vehicle stopping at the first stopping position P1 if the total number of other moving bodies other than the moving body 20 present within a predetermined range including the first stopping position P1 of the moving body 20, as represented by the status information, is less than a threshold value.

[0137] If multiple moving objects 20 are concentrated in the same area in real space, the quality of service in other areas where no moving objects 20 are present may be reduced. Therefore, the stop continuation determination unit 30E makes this determination, thereby preventing multiple moving objects 20 from being concentrated in one area. The threshold for the total number of other moving objects may be set in advance. For example, the management device 10 may set multiple sales areas in real space, and an upper limit for the number of moving objects 20 that can be present in each sales area at the same time may be set in advance. This upper limit may be used as the threshold for the total number of other moving objects.

[0138] Also, for example, the vehicle stop continuation judgment unit 30E judges to continue the vehicle stopping at the first stopping position P1 when the status information indicates that there is another vehicle within a predetermined distance that is carrying a different type of product G that is likely to be used in conjunction with the type of product G carried on the vehicle 20.

[0139] An example of a type of product G that is likely to be used in conjunction with another type of product G is, for example, a product G classified as a food product and a product G classified as a beverage product, etc. On the other hand, an example of a type of product G that is unlikely to be used in conjunction with another type of product G is, for example, a product G classified as a food product and a product G classified as a stationery product, etc.

[0140] In this case, for example, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E transmits inquiry information indicating whether or not there is another mobile object within a predetermined distance that carries a different type of product G that is likely to be used in combination with the type of product G carried on the mobile object 20, to the management device 10. The control unit 15 of the management device 10 that has received the inquiry information identifies, from the mobile object management information 14A, other mobile objects that are present within a predetermined distance from the position represented by the mobile object position information that corresponds to the mobile object ID of the mobile object 20 that sent the inquiry information.

[0141] The control unit 15 then identifies, among the identified other mobile objects, the on-board product corresponding to the mobile object ID of the mobile object 20 that transmitted the inquiry information, and identifies the product classification of the on-board product from the product management information 14B. Furthermore, the control unit 15 identifies other types of product classifications that are used in conjunction with the product G belonging to the identified product classification from a database or the like in which the relationships between the product classifications are registered in advance. The database may be configured to pre-register groups of pairs of product classifications that are used in conjunction with each other. The control unit 15 then identifies, from the mobile object management information 14A, the mobile object 20 that is on-board with the product G identified by a product ID corresponding to the identified other type of product classification. The control unit 15 then identifies, among the identified other mobile objects present within the predetermined distance, the mobile objects 20 that are on-board with the product G identified by a product ID corresponding to the identified other type of product classification, but that are other than the mobile object 20 that transmitted the inquiry information, as the other mobile objects.

[0142] If the control unit 15 can identify the other moving body, it transmits response information indicating a determination result that another moving body carrying another type of product G that is likely to be used together is present within a predetermined distance to the moving body 20 that transmitted the inquiry information. If the control unit 15 cannot identify the other moving body, it transmits response information indicating a determination result that another moving body carrying another type of product G that is likely to be used together is not present within a predetermined distance to the moving body 20 that transmitted the inquiry information.

[0143] The stop continuation determination unit 30E of the mobile body 20 determines to continue stopping at the first stop position P1 when the response information received from the management device 10 indicates that there is another mobile body within a predetermined distance carrying a different type of product G that is likely to be used in conjunction with the type of product G carried on the mobile body 20. Furthermore, the stop continuation determination unit 30E determines not to continue stopping at the first stop position P1 when the determination result received from the management device 10 indicates that there is not another mobile body within a predetermined distance carrying a different type of product G that is likely to be used in conjunction with the type of product G carried on the mobile body 20.

[0144] Furthermore, the movement control unit 30A of the mobile body 20 may control the drive unit 25 to move to the vicinity of another mobile body carrying a different type of product G that is likely to be used in combination with the type of product G carried by the mobile body 20. In this case, the movement control unit 30A may be configured to adjust the movement position within a predetermined range from the current stop position around the other mobile body. The stop continuation determination unit 30E of the mobile body 20 may then determine to continue stopping at the first stop position P1, which is the vicinity of the other mobile body. The vicinity of the other mobile body may be, for example, a position adjacent to the other mobile body, but is not limited to this position. In this case, the mobile body 20 can move to the vicinity of another mobile body carrying a different type of product G that is likely to be used in combination with the type of product G carried by the mobile body 20, and continue to be stopped.

[0145] Furthermore, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E may transmit to the management device 10 call request information for stopping another mobile body carrying a different type of product G that is likely to be used in conjunction with the type of product G carried on the mobile body 20, near the mobile body 20. In this case, the control unit 15 of the management device 10 may transmit the call request information to the other mobile body. Furthermore, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E may transmit the call request information directly to the other mobile body. In this case, it is possible to stop another mobile body carrying a different type of product G that is likely to be used in conjunction with the type of product G carried on the mobile body 20, near the mobile body 20.

[0146] The vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E may determine to continue the vehicle at the first stop position P1 if there is a fixed store within a predetermined distance that sells other types of product G that are likely to be used in conjunction with the type of product G carried on the vehicle 20. The determination of whether or not the fixed store is within the predetermined distance may be made by sending inquiry information to the management device 10, similar to the determination of whether or not there is another vehicle within the predetermined distance that carries other types of product G that are likely to be used in conjunction with the type of product G carried on the vehicle 20.

[0147] Also, for example, when the first stop position P1 indicated by the status information is within an area with high sales effectiveness, the stop continuation determination unit 30E determines to continue stopping at the first stop position P1.

[0148] An area with high sales effectiveness means an area that satisfies at least one of the following conditions: the product G has been sold in the same area at least once in the past; the cumulative number of products G sold in the same area in the past is equal to or greater than a predetermined number; and the cumulative number of times the product G has been sold in the same area in the past is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. The predetermined number and the cumulative number are integers of at least 1.

[0149] In this case, for example, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E transmits inquiry information as to whether or not the first stop position P1 is within an area with high sales effectiveness to the management device 10. The control unit 15 of the management device 10 that has received the inquiry information determines, using sales history information and the like stored in the memory unit 14, whether or not an area within a predetermined distance from the position represented by the mobile body position information corresponding to the mobile body ID of the mobile body 20 that transmitted the inquiry information satisfies at least one of the following conditions: there has been one or more sales of the product G in the same area in the past; the cumulative number of units of the product G sold in the same area in the past is equal to or greater than a predetermined number; and the cumulative number of times the product G has been sold in the same area in the past is equal to or greater than a predetermined number.

[0150] Then, if the control unit 15 finds that, for an area within a predetermined distance from the location represented by the mobile body location information corresponding to the mobile body ID of the mobile body 20 that sent the inquiry information, at least one of the following conditions is met: there has been at least one sales record of product G being sold in the same area in the past; the cumulative number of product G sold in the same area in the past is a predetermined number or more; and the cumulative number of sales of product G in the same area in the past is a predetermined number or more, the control unit 15 sends response information to the mobile body 20 indicating a determination result that the first stop position P1 is within an area with high sales effectiveness. In addition, if the control unit 15 does not meet any of the following conditions for an area within a predetermined distance from the position represented by the mobile body position information corresponding to the mobile body ID of the mobile body 20 that sent the inquiry information: there has been at least one sales record of product G in the past in the same area; the cumulative number of product G sold in the past in the same area is a predetermined number or more; and the cumulative number of sales of product G in the past in the same area is a predetermined number or more, it sends response information to the mobile body 20 that sent the inquiry information, indicating a determination result that the first stop position P1 is outside an area with high sales effectiveness.

[0151] The stop continuation determination unit 30E of the mobile body 20 determines to continue stopping at the first stop position P1 when the response information received from the management device 10 indicates that the first stop position P1 is within an area with high sales effectiveness. Furthermore, the stop continuation determination unit 30E determines not to continue stopping at the first stop position P1 when the response information received from the management device 10 indicates that the first stop position P1 is outside an area with high sales effectiveness.

[0152] The control unit 15 of the management device 10 may make the above determination using, as the sales history information used for the determination, sales history information of other mobile bodies having the same or similar shape as the mobile body 20 that sent the inquiry information, other mobile bodies carrying the same product G as the product G carried on the mobile body 20 that sent the inquiry information, or other mobile bodies carrying the same or similar product as the product G carried on the mobile body 20 that sent the inquiry information. By using the sales history information of other mobile bodies having the same or similar shape as the mobile body 20 that sent the inquiry information, it is possible to treat an area where good sales effects have been achieved due to the influence of the appearance of the mobile body 20 as an area with high sales effects.

[0153] Furthermore, for example, the stop continuation determination unit 30E determines to continue the stop at the first stop position P1 when the situation information indicates at least one of a first stop history in which the vehicle has stopped in an area within a predetermined distance from the first stop position P1 a predetermined number of times or more due to the detection of an intention to purchase, and a second stop history in which the vehicle has stopped in the area a predetermined number of times or more within a predetermined period due to the detection of an intention to purchase. If the area within the predetermined distance from the first stop position P1 is an area in which the vehicle has stopped a predetermined number of times or more due to the detection of an intention to purchase, or an area in which the vehicle has stopped a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period due to the detection of an intention to purchase, the area including the first stop position P1 is estimated to be an area in high demand by user C. The predetermined distance and the predetermined period may be determined in advance.

[0154] In this case, the control unit 30 registers the location information of the first stop position P1, the stop date and time, and associated stop history information in the storage unit 26 or the storage unit 14 of the management device 10 each time the operation execution unit 30D stops the mobile object 20 at the first stop position P1 in response to detection of a purchase intention by the detection unit 30B. Then, when the mobile object 20 stops at the first stop position P1 in response to detection of a new purchase intention and the sales operation is completed, the stop continuation determination unit 30E determines whether the stop history information represents a first stop history in which the mobile object 20 has stopped a predetermined number of times or more in an area within a predetermined distance from the first stop position P1. Furthermore, when the mobile object 20 stops at the first stop position P1 in response to detection of a new purchase intention and the sales operation is completed, the stop continuation determination unit 30E determines whether the stop history information represents a second stop history in which the mobile object 20 has stopped a predetermined number of times or more in an area within a predetermined distance from the first stop position P1 within a predetermined period.

[0155] Through these determination processes, the stop continuation determination unit 30E determines whether the situation information represents at least one of the first stop history and the second stop history, and if the situation information represents at least one of the first stop history and the second stop history, determines to continue the stop at the first stop position P1. Furthermore, if the situation information does not represent both the first stop history and the second stop history, the stop continuation determination unit 30E determines not to continue the stop at the first stop position P1.

[0156] If the first stop position P1 is a position where the vehicle has stopped a predetermined number of times or more in an area within a predetermined distance from the first stop position P1 due to the detection of an intention to purchase, or where the vehicle has stopped a predetermined number of times or more in the area within a predetermined period due to the detection of an intention to purchase, then the area including that position is estimated to be an area where demand from user C is high. Therefore, if the situation information indicates at least one of the first stop history and the second stop history, the stop continuation determination unit 30E determines to continue the stop at the first stop position P1, thereby making it possible to prevent a deterioration in sales efficiency and a loss of sales opportunities.

[0157] Furthermore, for example, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E determines to continue the vehicle stopping at the first stop position P1 when the first stop position P1 represented by the situation information is a stoppable area and is not a no-parking area. Furthermore, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E determines not to continue the vehicle stopping at the first stop position P1 when the first stop position P1 is a stoppable area and is a no-parking area.

[0158] In this case, the memory unit 26 of the mobile body 20 pre-stores the map information defining the parking-allowed areas and the parking-prohibited areas in real space. The vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E may use the map information to determine whether the first stop position P1 is parking-allowed and whether it is a parking-prohibited area. The map information may also be stored in the memory unit 14 of the management device 10. In this case, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E transmits inquiry information to the management device 10 inquiring whether the first stop position P1 is parking-allowed and whether it is a parking-prohibited area. In response to the inquiry information, the control unit 15 of the management device 10 transmits response information to the mobile body 20 including a determination result indicating whether the first stop position P1 of the mobile body 20 is parking-allowed and whether it is a parking-prohibited area. The vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E of the mobile body 20 may use the determination result included in the response information to determine whether the first stop position P1 is parking-allowed and whether it is a parking-prohibited area.

[0159] Furthermore, for example, the stop continuation determination unit 30E determines to continue the stop of the moving body 20 at the first stop position P1 when the remaining drive energy of the moving body 20 represented by the situation information is equal to or greater than a threshold value. Furthermore, the stop continuation determination unit 30E determines not to continue the stop of the moving body 20 at the first stop position P1 when the remaining drive energy of the moving body 20 is less than the threshold value.

[0160] In this case, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E may make this determination by determining whether the battery condition, which indicates the remaining amount of drive energy of the mobile unit 20, is equal to or greater than a threshold. The battery condition threshold may be set in advance to a value that allows the mobile unit 20 to travel to the next destination. The next destination may be, for example, a predetermined mobile sales location, a location to which the mobile unit 20 is scheduled to return, or a location of a charging station for charging the battery.

[0161] Furthermore, the stop continuation determination unit 30E may determine a time for which the moving body 20 continues to be stopped at the first stop position P1 in accordance with the remaining amount of drive energy of the moving body 20, which is represented by the situation information. For example, the stop continuation determination unit 30E may determine a time for which the moving body 20 continues to be stopped at the first stop position P1 that is longer the greater the remaining amount of drive energy.

[0162] Also, for example, the stop continuation judgment unit 30E judges to continue stopping at the first stop position P1 if at least one of the weather, temperature, stopping location, and stopping time period represented by the situation information satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0163] The weather represented by the status information is the weather around the mobile body 20 stopped at the first stopping position P1. The temperature represented by the status information is the temperature around the mobile body 20 stopped at the first stopping position P1. The stopping location represented by the status information means the first stopping position P1. The stopping time period represented by the status information is the time period during which the mobile body 20 is stopped at the first stopping position P1. The stopping continuation determination unit 30E can obtain information representing the weather and temperature around the mobile body 20 directly from an external system that provides environmental information or via the management device 10.

[0164] For example, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E stores in advance in the storage unit 26 corresponding predetermined conditions for each type of product G loaded on board. The predetermined conditions may be conditions that can achieve sales effects for the corresponding type of product G. In other words, the predetermined conditions may be weather, temperature, vehicle stop location, and vehicle stop time period in which demand for the product G is expected.

[0165] For example, if the type of product G is rain gear such as an umbrella, the weather "rain" may be preset as the predetermined condition representing the weather. Also, assume that the type of product G is a product G that is frequently used when the temperature is above a predetermined temperature. Specifically, if the type of product G is shaved ice, the predetermined condition representing the temperature may be a temperature such as "above 30°C." Also, assume that the type of product G is a product G that is often used at night. In this case, the nighttime may be preset as the predetermined condition representing the time period corresponding to the type of product G.

[0166] The stop continuation determination unit 30E may determine to continue the stop at the first stop position P1 if at least one of the weather, temperature, stop location, and stop time period represented by the situation information matches at least one of predetermined conditions corresponding to the type of product G carried by the mobile body 20. Furthermore, the stop continuation determination unit 30E may determine not to continue the stop at the first stop position P1 if all of the weather, temperature, stop location, and stop time period represented by the situation information do not match the predetermined conditions corresponding to the type of product G carried by the mobile body 20.

[0167] The vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E may also acquire, as situation information, event information about the vicinity of the first stop position P1 of the mobile body 20 from the management device 10 or the like, and determine, based on the event information, whether the current location and current date and time of the mobile body 20 are in a location or time period where demand for the product G is expected due to the event represented by the event information. If the current location and current time of the mobile body 20 are in a location or time period where demand for the product G is expected due to the event represented by the event information, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E may determine to continue the mobile body 20 at the first stop position P1.

[0168] Furthermore, the stop continuation determination unit 30E may determine to continue stopping at the first stop position P1 when the situation information indicates a stop instruction from the first user C1 or a stop instruction from a second user C2 other than the first user C1. Furthermore, the stop continuation determination unit 30E may determine not to continue stopping at the first stop position P1 when the situation information does not indicate a stop instruction from the first user C1 or a stop instruction from a second user C2 other than the first user C1.

[0169] For example, after the sales operation for the first user C1 is completed, the first user C1, the second user C2 who is acting with the first user C1, or the second user C2 who is around the first user C1 may subsequently wish to purchase the product G.

[0170] Therefore, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E detects a stop instruction from the first user C1 or the second user C2. For example, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E displays a vehicle stop continuation button on the output unit 23, and detects a vehicle stop instruction from the first user C1 or the second user C2 when the first user C1 or the second user C2 operates the input unit 22 to instruct the vehicle stop continuation button. Furthermore, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E may detect a vehicle stop instruction from the first user C1 or the second user C2 when it detects that a predetermined gesture representing a vehicle stop instruction has been made by the first user C1 or the second user C2 by analyzing a captured image of the surroundings of the mobile object 20 acquired by the sensor 24. Furthermore, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E may detect a vehicle stop instruction from the first user C1 or the second user C2 when the first user C1 or the second user C2 operates the information processing terminal 18 to input a vehicle stop instruction and receives the vehicle stop instruction from the information processing terminal 18.

[0171] Then, when the stop instruction is detected, the stop continuation determination unit 30E may determine that the vehicle should be continued stopped at the first stop position P1.

[0172] Also, for example, the vehicle stop continuation judgment unit 30E judges to continue the vehicle stop at the first stopping position P1 if the change in the surrounding conditions of the mobile body 20, as represented by the situation information, from the time the mobile body 20 stops at the first stopping position P1 to the end of the sales operation is greater than or equal to a threshold value.

[0173] Changes in the surrounding conditions of the mobile body 20 from when it stops at the first stopping position P1 to when the sales operation ends include, for example, changes in the number of users C present around the mobile body 20 during the period from when it stops at the first stopping position P1 to when the sales operation ends.

[0174] In this case, the stop continuation determination unit 30E analyzes photographed images of the surroundings of the mobile object 20 acquired by the sensor 24, and if the change in the number of users C present around the mobile object 20 during the period from the mobile object 20 stopping at the first stop position P1 to the end of the sales operation indicates an increase equal to or greater than the threshold, it may determine to continue the mobile object 20 stopping at the first stop position P1. Also, if the change in the number of users C present around the mobile object 20 during the period from the mobile object 20 stopping at the first stop position P1 to the end of the sales operation indicates an increase or decrease less than the threshold, it may determine not to continue the mobile object 20 stopping at the first stop position P1.

[0175] Next, the vehicle stop continuation control unit 30F will be described.

[0176] When the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E determines that the vehicle should continue to be stopped, the vehicle stop continuation control unit 30F controls the vehicle to continue to be stopped at the first stop position P1 for a predetermined period of time. When the vehicle stop continuation control unit 30F determines that the predetermined period has elapsed, the vehicle stop continuation control unit 30F determines that the moving object 20 should resume moving.

[0177] The vehicle stop continuation control unit 30F may determine the predetermined period for which the vehicle continues to be stopped at the first stop position P1 as follows.

[0178] For example, the parking continuation control unit 30F controls the drive unit 25 to keep the vehicle parked at the first parking position P1 for a predetermined period of time from the end of the sales operation for the first user C1. The predetermined period is, for example, three minutes, but is not limited to this. Furthermore, the predetermined period may be changeable as needed by an administrator operating the input unit 22, for example.

[0179] The vehicle stop continuation control unit 30F may also determine the predetermined period depending on the inventory status of the products G carried on the mobile object 20. For example, the vehicle stop continuation control unit 30F may set the predetermined period to be longer as the inventory quantity of the products G carried on the mobile object 20 increases. The vehicle stop continuation control unit 30F may also extend or shorten the predetermined period depending on the inventory status of the products G carried on the mobile object 20. For example, if the user C purchases a large amount of products G and the inventory of the products G becomes low, the vehicle stop continuation control unit 30F may shorten the predetermined period.

[0180] Furthermore, when the situation information indicates that another moving body carrying a different type of product G that is likely to be used in combination with the type of product G carried on the moving body 20 is present within a predetermined distance, the vehicle stoppage continuation control unit 30F may change the predetermined period for continuing the stoppage so that the stop periods of the moving body 20 and the other moving body are aligned. For example, the vehicle stoppage continuation control unit 30F may change the predetermined period to match the earlier or later stop period of the moving body 20 and the other moving body. Also, for example, the vehicle stoppage continuation control unit 30F may set a new, identical predetermined period for the moving body 20 and the other moving body.

[0181] Furthermore, the vehicle stoppage duration control unit 30F may estimate a period of high demand for the product G based on event information, etc., and set the estimated period as the predetermined period. For example, the vehicle stoppage duration control unit 30F may set the period from 30 minutes before the start of the event to 30 minutes after the end of the event as the predetermined period.

[0182] In addition, the vehicle stop continuation control unit 30F may set the specified period so that the vehicle continues to be stopped for the period during which the product G purchased by the first user C1 is included in the image captured by a photographing device that tracks the first user C1.

[0183] Furthermore, for example, the vehicle stop continuation control unit 30F may control the drive unit 25 to continue the vehicle at the first stop position P1 for a predetermined period from the end of the sales operation for the first user C1 until a second user C2 other than the first user C1 can no longer be detected around the vehicle 20. The vehicle stop continuation control unit 30F may analyze the captured image acquired by the sensor 24 to determine whether a second user C2, who is a user C other than the first user C1, can no longer be detected around the vehicle 20.

[0184] Furthermore, for example, the vehicle stop continuation control unit 30F may control the drive unit 25 to continue parking the vehicle 20 at the first stop position P1 for a predetermined period from the end of the sales operation for the first user C1 until the number of second users C2 other than the first user C1 present around the vehicle 20 falls below a predetermined value. The predetermined value may be determined in advance. The vehicle stop continuation control unit 30F may analyze the captured image acquired by the sensor 24 to determine the number of second users C2 other than the first user C1 present around the vehicle 20.

[0185] Also, for example, the vehicle stop continuation control unit 30F may set a longer predetermined time the more second users C2 other than the first user C1 are present around the mobile body 20 at the end of the sales operation for the first user C1.

[0186] Furthermore, for example, the vehicle stop continuation control unit 30F may periodically count the number of second users C2 other than the first user C1 present around the mobile object 20, and extend or shorten the initially set predetermined time period depending on the increase or decrease in the counted number of people. For example, the vehicle stop continuation control unit 30F may extend the predetermined time period when the counted number of people increases, and shorten the predetermined time period when the counted number of people decreases. The vehicle stop continuation control unit 30F may also change the extension or shortening period depending on the degree of increase or decrease in the counted number of people. For example, the greater the degree of increase or decrease, the longer the vehicle stop continuation control unit 30F may shorten or extend the period.

[0187] Also, for example, the parking continuation control unit 30F may control the drive unit 25 to continue parking at the first stopping position P1 for a predetermined period from the end of the sales operation for the first user C1 until a second user C2 with attributes of a saleable or recommended sale item other than the first user C1 can no longer be detected around the mobile body 20.

[0188] Furthermore, for example, the vehicle stop continuation control unit 30F may control the drive unit 25 to continue parking the vehicle 20 at the first stop position P1 for a predetermined period from the end of the sales operation for the first user C1 until the number of second users C2 other than the first user C1 who have the attributes of the available or recommended items for sale around the vehicle 20 falls below a predetermined value. The predetermined value may be determined in advance. The vehicle stop continuation control unit 30F may analyze the captured image acquired by the sensor 24 to determine the number and attributes of second users C2 other than the first user C1 who are present around the vehicle 20.

[0189] The surroundings of the moving object 20 may be either the range photographed by the photographing device included in the sensor 24 or a range within a predetermined distance from the sensor 24 within the photographing range.

[0190] In addition, the vehicle stop continuation control unit 30F may extend the specified time by a specified period if a sales operation is performed for a new second user C2 other than the first user C1 during the period from the end of the sales operation for the first user C1 to determining that the specified period has elapsed.

[0191] Furthermore, if the vehicle stop continuation control unit 30F receives call request information from another moving body, the information processing terminal 18, or the management device 10 during the period from the end of the sales operation to the first user C1 until it determines that the predetermined period has elapsed, the vehicle stop continuation control unit 30F may end the vehicle stop continuation at the first stopping position P1 before the predetermined period has elapsed. The call request information is similar to that described above, and is received directly from the information processing terminal 18 or from the information processing terminal 18 via the management device 10 when a second user C2 at another location operates the information processing terminal 18.

[0192] When the vehicle stop continuation control unit 30F determines that the predetermined period has elapsed, it determines that the moving object 20 should resume moving.

[0193] When the vehicle stop continuation control unit 30F determines that the predetermined period has elapsed, it may output information indicating the resumption of movement to the output unit 23. For example, the vehicle stop continuation control unit 30F may control the output unit 23 to display information indicating the resumption of movement, such as "movement will resume soon," or to output the information by voice. When the vehicle stop continuation control unit 30F determines that the predetermined period has elapsed and determines that user C is present within a predetermined distance from the moving object 20, it may output information indicating the resumption of movement to the output unit 23.

[0194] Furthermore, when determining that the predetermined period has elapsed, the vehicle stop continuation control unit 30F may output, to the output unit 23, response method information indicating a response method for user C when user C wishes to extend the vehicle stop. For example, the vehicle stop continuation control unit 30F may control the output unit 23 to display or output a voice message indicating the response method, such as "If you wish to purchase, please touch the screen."

[0195] Furthermore, when the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E determines to continue the stop, the vehicle stop continuation control unit 30F may perform control to output information indicating how long the vehicle will continue to be stopped or when the vehicle will start moving to the output unit 23. Furthermore, when the stop period is extended or shortened, the vehicle stop continuation control unit 30F may perform control to output at least one of information indicating the extension or shortening and information indicating the extended or shortened period to the output unit 23. Furthermore, the vehicle stop continuation control unit 30F may count up or down the information indicating these periods according to the elapsed time and display it on the output unit 23.

[0196] When it is determined that the predetermined period has elapsed, the movement control unit 30A controls the drive unit 25 to resume autonomous traveling of the moving body 20 along the route R.

[0197] Therefore, after the sales operation to the first user C1 is completed, the mobile body 20 continues to stop at the first stopping position P1 according to the status information of the mobile body 20, and after the above-mentioned specified time has elapsed, it resumes autonomous driving along the route R.

[0198] Furthermore, when the sales operation for the first user C1 is completed and the mobile body 20 continues to stop at the first stopping position P1, if purchase information regarding product G is received from the first user C1 or a second user C2, who is another user C other than the first user C1, the operation execution unit 30D simply causes the sales operation unit 27 to execute the sales operation regarding the sale of product G in the same manner as described above.

[0199] It should be noted that while the moving body 20 is autonomously moving toward the first stop position P1, the intention of the second user C2 to make a purchase may be detected.

[0200] 5 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a situation in which the mobile object 20 detects an intention to purchase by the second user C2 while autonomously moving toward the first stopping position P1. The first stopping position P1 may be a stoppable position in the vicinity of the first user C1 when the intention to purchase by the first user C1 described above is detected, or may be the location of a predetermined mobile sales outlet, etc.

[0201] In this case, when the detection unit 30B detects the intention of the second user C2 to purchase while the mobile object 20 is moving to the first stop position P1 and the identification unit 30C identifies the second stop position P2, the movement control unit 30A simply moves and stops the mobile object 20 at the second stop position P2 if the distance to the first stop position P1 is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance.

[0202] Furthermore, when the detection unit 30B detects the second user C2's intention to purchase while the moving object 20 is moving to the first stop position P1 and the identification unit 30C identifies the second stop position P2, the movement control unit 30A moves the moving object 20 to the second stop position P2 and stops the moving object 20 there. The movement control unit 30A may continue the moving object 20 at the second stop position P2 if the distance to the first stop position P1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance. In this case, loss of sales opportunities around the second stop position P2 can be reduced. Furthermore, the movement control unit 30A may control the moving object 20 not to continue stopping at the second stop position P2 if the distance to the first stop position P1 is less than the predetermined distance. When the distance between the first stop position P1 and the second stop position P2 is less than the predetermined distance, the moving object 20 may stop at the first stop position P1, where it is scheduled to stop, without continuing to stop at the second stop position P2, thereby reducing loss of sales opportunities around the first stop position P1 and the second stop position P2.

[0203] If the distance to the first stop position P1 is less than a predetermined distance, the movement control unit 30A may not continue stopping at the second stop position P2, but may instead inquire of the operator whether or not to change the first stop position P1 to the second stop position P2. If the movement control unit 30A receives a response indicating that the change is possible, the movement control unit 30A may control the vehicle 20 to continue stopping at the second stop position P2. In this case, it is possible to reduce loss of sales opportunities, and it is not necessary to move the vehicle 20 from the second stop position P2 to the first stop position P1. If the movement control unit 30A receives a response indicating that the change is not possible, the movement control unit 30A may control the vehicle 20 not to continue stopping at the second stop position P2.

[0204] The identification unit 30C may identify the second stop position P2 based on the position of the second user C2 in the same manner as the first stop position P1.

[0205] Then, when the distance from the current position of the moving object 20 to the first stop position P1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance, the movement control unit 30A controls the drive unit 25 to stop the moving object 20 at the second stop position P2. Furthermore, when the distance from the current position of the moving object 20 to the first stop position P1 is less than the predetermined distance, the movement control unit 30A controls the drive unit 25 to continue moving toward the first stop position P1 without stopping at the second stop position P2.

[0206] If the distance from the current location of the mobile body 20 to the first stop position P1 is less than the predetermined distance, i.e., if it is close, it is considered that there is no change in the sales opportunity even if the mobile body stops at the second stop position P2 or passes the second stop position P2 without stopping at the second stop position P2 and stops at the first stop position P1. Furthermore, if the first stop position P1 is the location of a predetermined mobile sales destination, it is considered that the first stop position P1 is a sales position set by the management device 10 or the like. Therefore, if the distance from the current location of the mobile body 20 to the first stop position P1 is less than the predetermined distance, the movement control unit 30A controls the drive unit 25 so that the mobile body 20 does not stop at the second stop position P2 but continues moving toward the first stop position P1, thereby suppressing a deterioration in sales efficiency.

[0207] In addition, when the movement control unit 30A controls the drive unit 25 to stop at the second stop position P2, it may send inquiry information to an information processing device operated by a remote operator to inquire whether or not to stop at the second stop position P2.

[0208] The remote operator is a user who performs operations to remotely control the mobile object 20, and performs operations to remotely control the mobile object 20 by operating an information processing device such as the management device 10. In this embodiment, a form in which the remote operator operates the management device 10 will be described as an example. Note that the remote operator may also remotely control the mobile object 20 by operating an information processing terminal that he or she operates.

[0209] The control unit 15 of the management device 10 receives the inquiry information and outputs the inquiry information to the output unit 13 of the management device 10. After confirming the inquiry information output to the output unit 13, the remote operator operates the input unit 12 to input a determination result indicating whether or not to permit stopping at the second stop position P2. The control unit 15 of the management device 10 transmits response information indicating the received determination result to the mobile body 20 that sent the inquiry information. If the response information received from the management device 10 indicates that stopping at the second stop position P2 is permitted, the movement control unit 30A of the mobile body 20 controls the drive unit 25 to stop at the second stop position P2. Furthermore, if the response information received from the management device 10 indicates that stopping at the second stop position P2 is not permitted, the movement control unit 30A controls the drive unit 25 to continue moving toward the first stop position P1 without stopping at the second stop position P2.

[0210] Furthermore, when the movement control unit 30A controls the drive unit 25 to stop at the second stop position P2, the stop period at the second stop position P2 can be determined so that the first stop position P1 can be reached at the scheduled arrival time at the first stop position P1.

[0211] Furthermore, when controlling the drive unit 25 to stop at the second stop position P2, the movement control unit 30A may transmit inquiry information to the management device 10 inquiring whether another moving object can be moved to the planned first stop position P1 on its behalf. When the control unit 15 of the management device 10 receives the inquiry information and determines that there is another moving object that can be moved to the first stop position P1, the control unit 15 transmits call request information to the other moving object, including the position information of the first stop position P1 and a call request signal for the other moving object. In this case, the management device 10 may transmit response information to the moving object 20 that sent the inquiry information, indicating that the other moving object can be moved on its behalf. When the movement control unit 30A receives response information indicating that the other moving object can be moved to the first stop position P1 on its behalf, the movement control unit 30A may control the drive unit 25 to continue stopping at the second stop position P2 without moving to the first stop position P1 after stopping at the second stop position P2.

[0212] The above description deals with a case in which the mobile object 20 detects the intention of the second user C2 to purchase while autonomously moving toward the first stop position P1. However, the above processing can also be applied to a case in which, after the mobile object 20 has stopped at the first stop position P1 for the first user C1 due to the detection of the intention of the first user C1 and completed the sales operation, it becomes necessary to move toward the second stop position P2 for the second user C2, who is another user C. An example of a case in which it becomes necessary to move toward the second stop position P2 for the second user C2 is when it receives call request information from the information processing terminal 18 of the second user C2.

[0213] In addition, when the movement control unit 30A controls the drive unit 25 to resume movement after stopping at each of the first stop position P1 and the second stop position P2, the movement control unit 30A is not limited to controlling the drive unit 25 to return to the predetermined route R and drive autonomously.

[0214] For example, the movement control unit 30A may control the drive unit 25 to autonomously drive by changing the travel route so that the route follows the direction of movement of the user C who purchased the product G. In this case, the movement control unit 30A may, for example, identify the direction of movement of the user C who purchased the product G by tracking the captured image acquired by the sensor 24, and control the drive unit 25 to autonomously drive along that direction of movement. By the movement control unit 30A changing the travel route so that the route follows the direction of movement of the user C, the effectiveness of advertising can be enhanced.

[0215] Furthermore, the travel control unit 30A may change the route depending on the battery status of the mobile object 20. For example, when the battery status of the mobile object 20 is less than a predetermined amount, the travel control unit 30A may control the drive unit 25 to travel toward a charging station.

[0216] Furthermore, the movement control unit 30A may control the driving unit 25 to change the route based on the situation around the moving object 20. In this case, the movement control unit 30A may analyze the captured images acquired by the sensor 24, and control the driving unit 25 to drive in a direction where a predetermined number or more users C are present around the moving object 20.

[0217] Furthermore, the movement control unit 30A may control the drive unit 25 to change the route based on a route change instruction from a remote operator operating the management device 10. For example, the movement control unit 30A transmits inquiry information to the management device 10 indicating a request for confirmation of the route change before resuming movement after stopping at each of the first stop position P1 and the second stop position P2. When instructing a route change, the remote operator operating the management device 10 operates the input unit 22 to input response information indicating the route change instruction and the changed route. The management device 10 transmits the received response information to the mobile object 20. When the response information received from the management device 10 indicates a route change instruction, the movement control unit 30A of the mobile object 20 may control the drive unit 25 to travel along the changed route indicated by the response information.

[0218] Furthermore, before resuming movement after stopping at each of the first stop position P1 and the second stop position P2, the movement control unit 30A may transmit inquiry information indicating a desire to change the route determined by the mobile object 20 to the management device 10. In this case, if the remote operator operating the management device 10 permits the route change, the remote operator operates the input unit 22 to input response information indicating permission for the route change. The management device 10 transmits the received response information to the mobile object 20. If the response information received from the management device 10 indicates permission for the route change, the movement control unit 30A of the mobile object 20 may control the drive unit 25 so that the mobile object 20 travels along the changed route determined by the mobile object 20.

[0219] Furthermore, when the mobile object 20 resumes moving from the state where it has stopped at the first stop position P1 or the second stop position P2, the movement control unit 30A may control the drive unit 25 to move slowly at a speed less than a predetermined speed for a predetermined time or a predetermined distance from the time of resuming the movement. The speed at which the mobile object 20 moves slowly may be slower than the moving speed when the mobile object 20 travels along the route R in a mobile sales business.

[0220] It should be noted that the operation execution unit 30D may further perform an operation to promote the sale of the product G while the moving body 20 continues to be stopped at the first stop position P1 or the second stop position P2.

[0221] In detail, the operation execution unit 30D may control the output unit 23 to output advertising information for the product G carried on the mobile object 20. The operation execution unit 30D may also control the output unit 23 to output information indicating that the product G is on sale. The operation execution unit 30D may also control the movable parts of the mobile object 20 to perform a predetermined operation to promote the product G carried on the mobile object 20. The operation execution unit 30D may also execute different operations depending on the remaining period of the vehicle stoppage. For example, the operation execution unit 30D may control the output unit 23 to output advertising information for the product G when there is sufficient remaining time, and may control the output unit 23 to output alert information indicating that movement will resume soon when there is only a short remaining time. As described above, the remaining period of the vehicle stoppage changes depending on whether the stoppage period is extended or shortened. Therefore, the operation execution unit 30D may execute different operations depending on the fluctuating remaining period of the vehicle stoppage.

[0222] Furthermore, the operation execution unit 30D may control the output unit 23 to output appeal information promoting the mobile sales to those around the mobile unit 20 when a user C purchases a product G while the mobile unit 20 is stopped. The timing of outputting the appeal information to the output unit 23 may be either during or immediately after the user C purchases the product G, or both. By performing this output control, users located a short distance from the mobile unit 20 can be notified that the mobile unit 20 is operating a mobile sales business. Specifically, for example, the operation execution unit 30D may control the output unit 23 to output audio information such as "Thank you for your purchase" as the appeal information after the user C purchases the product G. Furthermore, the appeal information indicating that the mobile sales business is operating may include speech content inviting people in the vicinity. By outputting such appeal information, users around the mobile unit 20 can easily notice that the mobile unit 20 is operating a mobile sales business.

[0223] Furthermore, if a user C purchases a product G while the mobile object 20 is stopped, the operation execution unit 30D may control the drive unit 25 to rotate the mobile object 20 on the spot. Depending on the configuration of the mobile object 20, it may be possible for those around to recognize what product G is being sold from one side of the mobile object 20 (e.g., the left side), but it may be impossible for those around to recognize what product G is being sold from other sides (e.g., the right side, the front, the rear, etc.). Therefore, by performing this control by the operation execution unit 30D, these problems can be resolved, and sales opportunities can be promoted. At this time, the operation execution unit 30D may also output appeal information to the output unit 23.

[0224] Furthermore, when the remaining time of the parking period is short (for example, when there are 10 minutes remaining), the operation execution unit 30D may execute a limited-time sale on the product G. This process can further increase the purchasing motivation of nearby users C.

[0225] In the above, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E has been described as determining whether or not to continue parking at the first stopping position P1 based on situation information detected by the sensor 24 and the sales operation unit 27 mounted on the mobile body 20.

[0226] However, the stop continuation determination unit 30E may determine whether to continue stopping at the first stop position P1 based on situation information represented by an operation instruction from a remote operator outside the moving body 20.

[0227] In this case, for example, when the sales operation to the first user C1 is completed, the vehicle stop continuation judgment unit 30E sends inquiry information to the management device 10 operated by the remote operator requesting a judgment on whether the vehicle should continue to be parked.

[0228] At this time, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E may transmit inquiry information including determination support information for assisting the remote operator in determining whether to continue the vehicle stop. The determination support information may be, for example, photographed images of the vicinity of the mobile body 20 acquired by the sensor 24, the distance to the user C present in the vicinity of the mobile body 20, information on the product G purchased by the user C, attributes of the user C present in the vicinity of the mobile body 20, the weather and temperature around the mobile body 20, the type of product G carried on the mobile body 20, inventory information of the product G carried on the mobile body 20, information on other mobile bodies present in the vicinity of the mobile body 20, etc.

[0229] If the information processing device operated by the remote operator is an information processing device other than the management device 10, at least a portion of this information may be transmitted from the management device 10 to the information processing device operated by the remote operator. In this case, the decision support information transmitted from the management device 10 to the information processing device operated by the remote operator may include past sales performance information in the same area as the first stopping position P1 where the device is stopped at the end of the selling operation. It is preferable that the past sales performance information be configured so that its conditions can be changed. For example, the past sales performance information may be past sales performance information related to conditions such as the same area as the first stopping position P1, the same time period as the device is stopped, the same product category as the product G sold, etc.

[0230] As described above, in this embodiment, the explanation will be given assuming that the management device 10 is operated by a remote operator.

[0231] When the remote operator operates the input unit 12 to input a determination result as to whether or not to continue stopping, the control unit 15 of the management device 10 operated by the remote operator transmits response information including the determination result to the mobile body 20. If the response information received from the management device 10 operated by the remote operator indicates that the mobile body 20 will continue stopping, the mobile body 20's stop continuation determination unit 30E may determine that the mobile body 20 will continue stopping at the first stop position P1.

[0232] Furthermore, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E may transmit inquiry information to the management device 10 operated by the remote operator requesting a determination as to whether or not the vehicle should continue to be parked when it determines to continue parked at the first stop position P1, instead of when the sales operation for the first user C1 is completed. If the inquiry information requesting a determination as to whether or not the vehicle should continue to be parked is transmitted to the management device 10 every time the mobile body 20 completes a sales operation, the frequency with which the inquiry information is transmitted to the management device 10 may increase, which may increase the burden on the remote operator. Therefore, by transmitting inquiry information requesting a determination as to whether or not the vehicle should continue to be parked to the management device 10 operated by the remote operator when it determines to continue parked at the first stop position P1, the burden on the remote operator can be reduced.

[0233] The remote operator may also be allowed to specify the stopping period. In this case, the control unit 15 of the management device 10, operated by the remote operator, displays a screen on the output unit 13 for accepting the specification of the stopping period. Furthermore, if the second user C2's intention to purchase is detected while the mobile object 20 is autonomously moving toward the first stop position P1 and an estimated arrival time at the first stop position P1 is set, the estimated arrival time or the allowable stopping time determined by the estimated arrival time may also be displayed on the screen as reference information. This is not limited to when the mobile object 20 is autonomously moving toward the first stop position P1, but also when the mobile object 20 is autonomously moving toward a destination, such as a predetermined scheduled sales stop position, and there is a deadline for arrival at the destination, the allowable stopping time determined by the deadline may also be displayed on the screen as reference information.

[0234] The control unit 15 may calculate the allowable stopping time by calculating "(the period from the current time to the estimated arrival time) - (the period required to travel from the stopping position to the destination)." Furthermore, when the control unit 15 detects the intention of the user C to purchase during the travel from the stopping position to the destination, the control unit 15 may calculate the allowable stopping time by taking into account a margin for that period.

[0235] Furthermore, the control unit 15 of the management device 10 operated by the remote operator may restrict input so that a time within the allowable stop time represented by the estimated arrival time can be accepted as a stop period. Furthermore, the control unit 15 of the management device 10 operated by the remote operator may output alert information to the output unit 13 when the stop period input by the remote operator exceeds the allowable stop time, and may further output information to the output unit 13 to prompt an input that is less than the allowable stop time.

[0236] In this case, the control unit 15 of the management device 10 operated by the remote operator transmits response information to the mobile object 20, including a determination result of whether or not to continue the stop and, if the determination result indicates that the stop should be continued, a stop duration. If the response information received from the management device 10 operated by the remote operator indicates that the stop should be continued, the stop duration determination unit 30E of the mobile object 20 determines that the stop should be continued at the first stop position P1 for the stop duration included in the response information. Then, the movement control unit 30A controls the drive unit 25 to continue the stop at the first stop position P1 for the stop duration.

[0237] The remote operator may also be allowed to specify a stop position. For example, the remote operator may wish to continue stopping the mobile object 20, but may want to move the mobile object 20 from its current stop position and continue stopping it at a new position. Specifically, the remote operator may wish to specify a stop position if the current stop position of the mobile object 20 is a location that obstructs the passage of other moving objects or is a location that is difficult for the user C to see.

[0238] In this case, the control unit 15 of the management device 10 operated by the remote operator displays a screen for accepting the designation of a stop position on the output unit 13. For example, the control unit 15 of the management device 10 operated by the remote operator displays a map screen including the current position of the mobile object 20 on the output unit 13. The remote operator operates the input unit 12 while visually checking the screen displayed on the output unit 13, thereby designating a stop position where the vehicle is desired to stop. At this time, the control unit 15 may be capable of being controlled so that the position can be adjusted within a predetermined range from the current stop position. Specifically, the control unit 15 may be controlled to set a limit on the range in which the remote operator can designate a position on the screen.

[0239] The control unit 15 of the management device 10, which has received the designation of the stop position, transmits response information to the mobile unit 20, including the result of the determination as to whether or not to continue the stop and the designated stop position information. The stop continuation determination unit 30E of the mobile unit 20 determines to continue the stop if the response information received from the management device 10 operated by the remote operator indicates that the stop should be continued. The stop continuation control unit 30F then controls the drive unit 25 to move the mobile unit 20 to the stop position indicated by the stop position information included in the response information, and then controls the drive unit 25 to continue the stop at that position. Alternatively, the remote operator may remotely drive the mobile unit 20 to stop the mobile unit 20 at the stop position desired by the remote operator.

[0240] Furthermore, when the mobile body 20 detects that roadside parked vehicles are parked around the mobile body 20 while the mobile body 20 is stopped, making it difficult to be seen from the surroundings, the mobile body 20 may automatically move to a position where it is easily seen from the surroundings. Alternatively, the mobile body 20 may be configured to interrupt its stop and resume movement instead of moving to a position where it is easily seen. Furthermore, the mobile body 20 may be moved to a position where it is easily seen by an operation instruction from a remote operator. For example, consider a situation where a sensor mounted on the mobile body 20 detects an object of a predetermined size or larger around the mobile body 20, making it difficult for the mobile body 20 to be seen from the surroundings. In this case, the mobile body 20 may output information prompting the remote operator to move to a position where it is easily seen from the surroundings. When a movement instruction is given by the remote operator, the mobile body 20 may move to a position where it is easily seen from the surroundings.

[0241] In addition, if the stop continuation judgment unit 30E judges that the vehicle should continue to be stopped at the first stop position P1 and the movement control unit 30A starts to continue the stop, the configuration may be such that a remote operator can monitor the surrounding conditions of the moving body 20 while it continues to be stopped.

[0242] In this case, if it is determined that the vehicle 20 should continue to be parked, the movement control unit 30A of the vehicle 20 transmits photographed images of the area around the vehicle 20 acquired by the sensor 24 to the management device 10. The control unit 15 of the management device 10 then displays a monitoring screen including the received photographed images on the output unit 13. By displaying the monitoring screen on the output unit 13, if the situation around the vehicle 20 changes, the remote operator can determine and issue operational instructions to extend or discontinue the vehicle's parked state. This makes it possible to improve sales efficiency.

[0243] A remote operator who views the monitoring screen may determine, for example, that nearby users may be planning to use the mobile sales service, and may decide to extend the vehicle's stay.

[0244] The control unit 15 may also superimpose on the monitoring screen information for supporting judgment, which allows the remote operator to determine whether a nearby user may be planning to use the mobile sales service. The information for supporting judgment may be, for example, information indicating that a person is approaching the mobile body 20, information indicating that a person nearby the mobile body 20 has been continuously directing their gaze toward the mobile body 20 for a predetermined period of time, information indicating that the total period during which people nearby the mobile body 20 have been directing their gaze toward the mobile body 20 is equal to or longer than a predetermined period of time, information indicating that a user is making a predetermined gesture (e.g., beckoning) toward the mobile body 20, etc. The control unit 15 may also superimpose two or more of these pieces of information on the monitoring screen.

[0245] The control unit 15 may determine whether or not a person is approaching the mobile body 20 based on a detection result from a distance measurement sensor or the like provided on the mobile body 20, and if it determines that a person is approaching, it may superimpose information indicating that a person is approaching the mobile body 20 on the monitoring screen. Furthermore, the control unit 15 may determine whether or not a person around the mobile body 20 is continuously directing their gaze toward the mobile body 20 for a predetermined period of time using video of the area around the mobile body 20 captured by the mobile body 20, and if it determines that the person is directing their gaze, it may superimpose information indicating that the person is directing their gaze on the monitoring screen. Furthermore, the control unit 15 may determine whether or not a total period of time during which the people around the mobile body 20 are directing their gaze toward the mobile body 20 is equal to or longer than a predetermined period of time using video of the area around the mobile body 20 captured by the mobile body 20, and if it determines that the total period of time during which the people are directing their gaze is equal to or longer than the predetermined period of time, it may superimpose information indicating that the total period of time during which the people are directing their gaze is equal to or longer than the predetermined period of time on the monitoring screen. In addition, the control unit 15 uses the video footage of the surroundings of the mobile body 20 captured by the mobile body 20 to determine whether or not there is a user making a predetermined gesture towards the mobile body 20, and if it determines that there is a user, it may superimpose information indicating that there is a user making a predetermined gesture towards the mobile body 20 on the monitoring screen.

[0246] Furthermore, the control unit 15 may superimpose on the monitoring screen information not limited to decision support information, but also information inquiring about whether or not the vehicle should be kept stopped (start of departure).

[0247] The control unit 15 is not limited to cases where the vehicle continues to be stopped, and may superimpose the above information on the monitoring screen at any timing as long as an operator is remotely monitoring the moving body 20. For example, the control unit 15 may superimpose the above decision support information on the monitoring screen while the moving body 20 is moving, thereby supporting the remote operator in determining whether or not to stop the vehicle.

[0248] Furthermore, the control unit 15 may be configured to stop the moving body 20 instead of superimposing the decision support information on the monitoring screen of the remote operator. For example, when a distance measuring sensor or the like provided in the moving body 20 detects a person approaching the moving body 20, the control unit 15 may control the moving body 20 to stop. Furthermore, when the control unit 15 detects, using video captured by the moving body 20, that people around the moving body 20 are continuously directing their gaze toward the moving body 20 for a predetermined period of time, that the total period during which people around the moving body 20 are directing their gaze toward the moving body 20 is equal to or longer than a predetermined period of time, or that there is a user making a predetermined gesture toward the moving body 20, the control unit 15 may control the moving body 20 to stop.

[0249] The monitoring screen may also be configured to include an input field that allows the remote operator to specify at least one of extending, shortening, and interrupting the vehicle stop. The monitoring screen may also be configured to include an input field that allows the remote operator to specify an extension period via the input field if the remote operator desires to extend the vehicle stop. When the mobile unit 20 determines a trigger for extending or shortening the vehicle stop, the determination result may be transmitted from the mobile unit 20 to the management device 10. Upon receiving the determination result, the control unit 15 of the management device 10 may be configured to display on the output unit 13 a screen that prompts the remote operator to determine whether or not to extend or shorten the vehicle stop, and to accept the remote operator's input regarding the determination of whether or not to extend or shorten the vehicle stop. In this case, the remote operator may be configured to specify the extension period or shortening period.

[0250] The monitoring screen may also be configured to have an input field for specifying departure instead of suspension of stopping. Alternatively, the monitoring screen may be configured so that the remote operator can specify the timing of departure or suspension without specifying the period of stopping.

[0251] In addition, when the vehicle stop continuation judgment unit 30E judges whether to continue the vehicle stop at the first stop position P1 based on situation information other than operation instructions from the remote operator, the vehicle may end up being stopped at the first stop position P1 for a long period of time.

[0252] For example, if a series of events occur that extend the duration of the stop, such as a new second user C2 purchasing product G at the first stopping position P1, the vehicle may be parked at the first stopping position P1 for a long period of time.

[0253] If the mobile object 20 is stopped at the first stopping position P1 for a long period of time, the mobile object 20 may exhibit behavior that deviates from its original purpose of selling the product G while traveling along the route R, which may result in a decrease in sales efficiency. Specifically, if the frequency of purchases of the product G by new second users C2 is lower than the frequency of purchases of the product G when the mobile object 20 moves to another location, sales efficiency will decrease.

[0254] Therefore, if the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E extends the vehicle stop and the vehicle continues to be stopped at the first stop position P1 for a predetermined period of time or longer, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E may transmit inquiry information to the management device 10 inquiring whether to extend the vehicle stop continuation. The control unit 15 of the management device 10 outputs the inquiry information to the output unit 13. A remote operator operating the management device 10 operates the input unit 12 to input a judgment result on whether to continue the vehicle stop based on the inquiry information. The control unit 15 transmits response information including the judgment result received from the input to the mobile object 20. If the response information indicates that the vehicle should continue to be stopped, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E of the mobile object 20 may determine that the vehicle should continue to be stopped at the first stop position P1. Furthermore, if the response information indicates that the vehicle should not be stopped, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E may determine that the vehicle should not be stopped at the first stop position P1. The movement control unit 30A may then drive and control the drive unit 25 in accordance with these judgment results.

[0255] Furthermore, a limit may be set on the extension period of the vehicle stop, and the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E may determine to discontinue the vehicle stop if the extension period is exceeded.

[0256] Also, assume that the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E determines to continue stopping at the first stop position P1 based on situation information other than the operation instruction from the remote operator, and the movement control unit 30A controls the drive unit 25 to continue stopping at the first stop position P1 for a predetermined period or more. In this case, before the predetermined period is reached, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E may be configured to send inquiry information to the management device 10 to confirm whether or not to extend the vehicle stop continuation, prompting the remote operator to decide whether to extend the vehicle stop continuation. Then, when the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E receives response information from the management device 10 indicating that the extension of the vehicle stop continuation has been permitted by the operation instruction from the remote operator via the input unit 12, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E may control the drive unit 25 to extend the predetermined period and continue stopping at the first stop position P1.

[0257] At this time, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E may transmit inquiry information, including the above-mentioned determination support information, to the management device 10 to confirm whether or not the vehicle stop continuation is necessary. Furthermore, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E may transmit, as the above-mentioned determination support information, determination support information further including the sales record of the product G during the vehicle stop continuation, the change over time in the sales record of the product G during the vehicle stop continuation, and the change in the number of users C around the mobile object 20 to the management device 10. In this case, the remote operator can consider whether or not to extend the vehicle stop continuation, taking into account the sales record of the product G and the increasing trend in the number of users C around the mobile object 20, etc.

[0258] The timing of the decision by the vehicle stop continuation decision unit 30E as to whether to continue the vehicle stop may be any timing during the period from the time when the intention of the first user C1 to purchase is detected until the time when the mobile body 20 resumes movement.

[0259] For example, the timing at which the vehicle stop continuation judgment unit 30E determines whether to continue the vehicle stop may be any of the following: the timing at which the first user C1's intention to purchase is detected and a decision to stop is made; the timing at which the mobile body 20 stops; the timing at which input of product G selection from the first user C1 is accepted; the timing at which the payment process for the first user C1 begins; the timing at which the payment process ends; the timing at which the sales operation unit 27 completes preparations for providing product G to the first user C1; the timing at which the first user C1 removes product G from the product removal outlet 20B; the timing at which the first user C1 who has purchased product G moves away from the mobile body 20 by a predetermined distance or more; the timing at which the first user C1 who has purchased product G moves away from the mobile body 20 and is no longer detected in images captured by the photographing device included in the sensor 24; the timing immediately before the movement control unit 30A resumes movement; a predetermined period after these timings; etc.

[0260] The starting point of the stop period during which the mobile body 20 continues to stop at the first stop position P1 is not limited to the timing of the end of the sales operation for the first user C1 described above. The starting point of the stop period during which the mobile body 20 continues to stop at the first stop position P1 may be any timing during the period from the timing when the intention of the first user C1 to purchase is detected and the mobile body 20 decides to stop at the first stop position P1 until the mobile body 20 resumes moving.

[0261] For example, the starting point of the stopping period during which the stopping continuation judgment unit 30E continues stopping may be any of the following: the timing when it detects user C's intention to purchase and decides to stop, the timing when the mobile body 20 stops, the timing when it accepts the selection input of product G from the first user C1, the timing when the payment process for the first user C1 starts, the timing when the payment process ends, the timing when the sales operation unit 27 completes preparations to provide product G to the first user C1, the timing when the first user C1 takes out product G from the product removal outlet 20B, the timing when the first user C1 who has purchased product G moves away from the mobile body 20 by a predetermined distance or more, the timing when the first user C1 who has purchased product G moves away from the mobile body 20 and is no longer detected in the images captured by the photographing device included in the sensor 24, the timing just before the movement control unit 30A resumes movement, a predetermined period after these timings, etc.

[0262] Next, an example of the flow of information processing executed by the control unit 30 of the moving body 20 of this embodiment will be described.

[0263] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of information processing executed by the control unit 30 of the moving body 20 of this embodiment.

[0264] The movement control unit 30A controls the drive unit 25 to cause the moving body 20 to move autonomously, and the moving body 20 starts to move autonomously along the route R (step S100).

[0265] The detection unit 30B repeats the negative determination (step S102: No) until it determines that the first user C1 has made a purchase (step S102: Yes). When the detection unit 30B detects the first user C1's intention to make a purchase (step S102: Yes), the identification unit 30C identifies the first stopping position P1 at which the moving object 20 should stop (step S104).

[0266] The movement control unit 30A controls the drive unit 25 to move the moving object 20 toward the first stop position P1 identified in step S104 (step S106). The movement control unit 30A then determines whether the moving object 20 has arrived at the first stop position P1 (step S108). The movement control unit 30A makes the determination in step S108 by determining whether the position of the moving object 20 detected by the sensor 24 coincides with the first stop position P1. The movement control unit 30A repeatedly makes a negative determination (step S108: No) until a positive determination is made in step S108 (step S108: Yes). If a positive determination is made (step S108: Yes), the process proceeds to step S110. In step S110, the movement control unit 30A controls the drive unit 25 to stop the moving object 20 at the first stop position P1 (step S110).

[0267] The operation execution unit 30D causes the sales operation unit 27 to execute a sales operation for selling the product G (step S112). Through the processing of step S112, the product G is sold to the first user C1.

[0268] Next, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E determines whether the sales operation for the first user C1 has ended (step S114). The vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E repeats a negative determination (step S114: No) until a positive determination is made in step S114 (step S114: Yes), and when a positive determination is made (step S114: Yes), the process proceeds to step S116.

[0269] The vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E acquires status information of the vehicle 20 (step S116). Then, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E determines whether to continue the vehicle stop at the first stop position P1 based on the status information acquired in step S116 (step S118).

[0270] If it is determined that the vehicle should not continue to be stopped at the first stop position P1 (step S118: No), the process proceeds to step S128 (described later). If it is determined that the vehicle should continue to be stopped at the first stop position P1 (step S118: Yes), the process proceeds to step S120.

[0271] In step S120, the operation execution unit 30D determines whether or not the second user C2 has input purchase information regarding the desired product G (step S120). If the determination in step S120 is negative (step S120: No), the operation proceeds to step S126 (described later). If the determination in step S120 is positive (step S120: Yes), the operation proceeds to step S122.

[0272] In step S122, the operation execution unit 30D causes the sales operation unit 27 to execute a sales operation for selling the product G (step S122). Through the processing of step S122, the product G is sold to the second user C2.

[0273] Next, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E determines whether the sales operation for the second user C2 has ended (step S124). The vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E repeats a negative determination (step S124: No) until a positive determination (step S124: Yes) is made in step S124, and when a positive determination (step S124: Yes) is made, the process proceeds to step S126.

[0274] Next, the vehicle stop continuation control unit 30F determines whether to resume the movement of the mobile object 20 (step S126). The vehicle stop continuation control unit 30F makes the determination in step S126 by, for example, determining whether a predetermined period has elapsed since the end of the sales operation for the first user C1, which was determined by the affirmative determination in step S114. If the determination in step S126 is negative (step S126: No), the process returns to step S120. If the determination in step S126 is affirmative (step S126: Yes), the process proceeds to step S128.

[0275] In step S128, the movement control unit 30A controls the drive unit 25 to resume autonomous traveling of the moving body 20 along the route R (step S128).

[0276] Next, the movement control unit 30A determines whether or not to end the autonomous movement of the moving object 20 (step S130). For example, the movement control unit 30A makes the determination in step S130 by determining whether or not a predetermined end time for the autonomous movement has arrived. The movement control unit 30A also makes the determination in step S130 by determining whether or not an instruction to end the autonomous movement has been received from the management device 10. If the determination in step S130 is negative (step S130: No), the process returns to step S102. If the determination in step S130 is positive (step S130: Yes), the routine ends.

[0277] As described above, the mobile object control method of this embodiment is a mobile object control method executed by the control unit 30 (computer) that controls the mobile object 20 that moves autonomously and sells products G (objects). The mobile object control method of this embodiment includes: a specifying step of specifying a first stop position P1 at which the mobile object 20 is to stop, a movement control step of stopping the mobile object 20 at the first stop position P1, an operation execution step of performing a sales operation related to the sale of the products G (objects) to the first user C1 when the mobile object 20 has stopped at the first stop position P1, a stop continuation determination step of determining whether or not to continue stopping the mobile object 20 at the first stop position P1 based on status information of the mobile object 20 at the end of the sales operation, and a stop continuation control step of controlling the mobile object 20 to continue stopping at the first stop position P1 when it is determined to continue stopping.

[0278] In the conventional technology, once the sales operation for the target user is completed, the moving body resumes moving without determining whether to continue stopping. As a result, in the conventional technology, sales opportunities for other users around the stopping position are lost, and sales efficiency may deteriorate.

[0279] On the other hand, the mobile object control method of this embodiment stops the mobile object 20 at the first stop position P1, performs a sales operation to sell the product G to the first user C1, and then determines whether to continue stopping the mobile object 20 at the first stop position P1 based on the status information of the mobile object 20 at the end of the sales operation. Then, when it is determined that the mobile object 20 should continue stopping, the mobile object control method of this embodiment controls the mobile object to continue stopping at the first stop position P1.

[0280] In this way, the mobile object control method of this embodiment determines whether to continue parking at the first stopping position P1 based on status information about the mobile object 20 when the mobile object 20 is stopped at the first stopping position P1 and the sales operation for the first user C1 is completed. Therefore, the mobile object control method of this embodiment does not stop the mobile object 20 for a fixed period even if continuing to stop the mobile object 20 would not result in a sales opportunity, thereby preventing a deterioration in sales efficiency. Furthermore, the mobile object control method of this embodiment determines whether to continue parking based on status information about the mobile object 20 when the mobile object 20 is stopped at the first stopping position P1 and the sales operation for the first user C1 is completed, thereby preventing the loss of sales opportunities for other users C who are present in the vicinity of the first stopping position P1 and preventing a deterioration in sales efficiency.

[0281] Therefore, the mobile object control method of this embodiment can suppress a deterioration in sales efficiency.

[0282] The above description has been given as an example of a case in which the target is product G. However, the mobile object control system 1 of this embodiment can also be applied to a case in which the target is a service for delivering people. In this case, the purchase intention may be the intention of user C to use the mobile object 20. Furthermore, the first stop position P1 and the second stop position P2 may be positions where the mobile object 20 can stop, in the vicinity of the position where user C gets on or off the mobile object 20.

[0283] Furthermore, the above describes an example in which the stop continuation judgment unit 30E judges whether to continue stopping at the first stopping position P1 based on the status information of the mobile body 20 when it determines that the sales operation to the first user C1 has been completed by the operation execution unit 30D.

[0284] However, when the operation execution unit 30D of the control unit 30 of the mobile object 20 determines that the sales operation for the first user C1 has ended, the operation execution unit 30D may control the drive unit 25 to travel randomly within a range within a predetermined distance from the first stop position P1. The predetermined distance is, for example, 10 m, but is not limited to this distance. Then, during the period in which the operation execution unit 30D controls the drive unit 25 to travel randomly, the operation execution unit 30D may control the output unit 23 to output information promoting the product G carried on the mobile object 20. The information promoting the product G may be, for example, information that encourages customers to purchase the product G, such as "Do you want product G?"

[0285] When the operation execution unit 30D determines that the sales operation for the first user C1 has ended, it controls the drive unit 25 to run randomly within a predetermined distance from the first stop position P1, thereby further improving sales efficiency and preventing the loss of sales opportunities.

[0286] Then, after the period in which the operation execution unit 30D controls the drive unit 25 to run randomly has ended, the stop continuation judgment unit 30E may judge whether to continue stopping at the first stop position P1 or in the vicinity of the first stop position P1 based on the status information of the moving body 20.

[0287] In the present embodiment, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E determines whether to continue the vehicle stop, and if it determines to continue the vehicle stop, the vehicle continues to be stopped. However, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E may control the vehicle 20 to stop at a stop position such as the first stop position P1 or the second stop position P2 for a fixed period of time without determining whether to continue the vehicle stop.

[0288] For example, in the case of a mobile object 20 that always travels through a busy area, there may be an operation in which the mobile object 20 is stopped for a fixed period of time without determining whether it needs to continue stopping. In such a case, no matter where the mobile object 20 is stopped, there is a high possibility that there will be a high sales opportunity.

[0289] Therefore, when the mobile body 20 satisfies a predetermined condition, such as always traveling through a busy area, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E may control the mobile body 20 to stop for a fixed period at a stop position, such as the first stop position P1 or the second stop position P2, without determining whether to continue the stop. Note that this condition and the fixed period may be changeable as appropriate by a user's operation instruction via the input unit 12, the input unit 22, or the like. Furthermore, the vehicle stop continuation determination unit 30E may change the fixed period based on situation information, etc. The change of the fixed period may be performed in the same manner as the extension of the vehicle stop duration described above.

[0290] Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the management device 10, the information processing terminal 18, and the mobile object 20 of the above embodiment will be described.

[0291] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the management device 10, the information processing terminal 18, and the mobile object 20 of the above embodiment.

[0292] The management device 10, information processing terminal 18, and mobile body 20 in the above embodiment have a hardware configuration that utilizes a conventional computer, with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 80, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 82, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 84, an I / F 86, etc. connected to each other via a bus 88.

[0293] The CPU 80 is a computing device that controls the management device 10, the information processing terminal 18, and the mobile object 20 of the above embodiment. The ROM 82 stores programs and the like that realize information processing by the CPU 80. The RAM 84 stores data necessary for various processes by the CPU 80. The I / F 86 is an interface that is connected to the storage unit, input unit, output unit, sensor, communication unit, etc., and is used to send and receive data.

[0294] In the management device 10, the information processing terminal 18, and the mobile object 20 of the above embodiment, the CPU 80 reads a program from the ROM 82 onto the RAM 84 and executes it, thereby realizing each of the above functional units on the computer.

[0295] The programs for executing the above processes executed by the management device 10, the information processing terminal 18, and the mobile object 20 of the above embodiment may be stored in a hard disk drive (HDD). Also, the programs for executing the above processes executed by the management device 10, the information processing terminal 18, and the mobile object 20 of the above embodiment may be provided by being pre-installed in the ROM 82.

[0296] The programs for executing the above processes executed by the management device 10, information processing terminal 18, and mobile object 20 of the above embodiments may be stored in an installable or executable file format on a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, CD-R, memory card, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or flexible disk (FD) and provided as a computer program product. The programs for executing the above information processes executed by the management device 10, information processing terminal 18, and mobile object 20 of the above embodiments may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading via the network. The programs for executing the above information processes executed by the management device 10, information processing terminal 18, and mobile object 20 of the above embodiments may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0297] Although the above describes an embodiment, the embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims.

[0298] For example, the control unit 18F of the information processing terminal 18 may display on the output unit 18C a display screen showing the position on a map at which each of the multiple mobile objects 20 included in the mobile object control system 1 is parked. For example, the control unit 18F may display on the output unit 18C a display screen in which an icon image representing the mobile object 20 is placed at a position corresponding to the mobile object position information of the mobile object 20 on a map image showing the map.

[0299] In addition, the control unit 18F of the information processing terminal 18 may further display on the display screen information indicating whether the stopped mobile body 20 shown on the display screen is in the first stopped state or the second stopped state.

[0300] The first stopped state refers to a stopped state according to a pre-planned schedule. In the first stopped state, the moving object 20 continues to be stopped until a pre-planned predetermined time, such as 30 minutes, has elapsed.

[0301] The second stopped state refers to a temporary stopped state at the first stop position P1 or the second stop position P2, as explained in the above embodiment, due to, for example, detection of the user C's intention to purchase. In the second stopped state, as explained in the above embodiment, the moving body 20 releases the stopped state in response to, for example, the user C's intention to purchase, and resumes moving.

[0302] The control unit 18F of the information processing terminal 18 may acquire information indicating the stopping position of the mobile object 20 included in the mobile object control system 1, whether the mobile object 20 is in the first stopping state or the second stopping state, etc. from the management device 10. Then, the control unit 18F of the information processing terminal 18 may use this information acquired from the management device 10 to generate the display screen and display it on the output unit 18C.

[0303] Furthermore, the control unit 18F of the information processing terminal 18 may display a button image on the display screen, on or near the display area of ​​the mobile unit 20 in the second stopped state, that allows the mobile unit 20 to be designated and called. In this case, the user C operating the information processing terminal 18 can operate the button image by operating the input unit 18B while viewing the display screen, thereby inputting a call request for the mobile unit 20 displayed on or near the display area of ​​the button image. When the button image is operated, the control unit 18F of the information processing terminal 18 may transmit call request information for the mobile unit 20 displayed on or near the display area of ​​the button image to the management device 10. The process of transmitting the call request information and the call request to the management device 10 may be performed in the same manner as in the above embodiment.

[0304] Through these processes, user C operating the information processing terminal 18 can specify and call the desired mobile body 20 that is temporarily stopped and in the second stopped state among the multiple mobile bodies 20 managed by the mobile body control system 1.

[0305] Furthermore, the control unit 18F of the information processing terminal 18 may further display a remaining stop period, which indicates how long the moving body 20 in at least one of the first stop state and the second stop state will continue to be stopped, in or near the display area of ​​each moving body 20. The control unit 18F of the information processing terminal 18 may acquire the remaining stop period of the moving body 20 from the management device 10.

[0306] Furthermore, the control unit 18F of the information processing terminal 18 may further display information indicating which route R the mobile object 20, which is currently temporarily stopped in the second stop state, is scheduled to travel after resuming movement. The control unit 18F of the information processing terminal 18 may obtain, from the management device 10, information indicating the route R that the mobile object 20 is scheduled to travel.

[0307] Furthermore, when the mobile object 20, which is in the second stop state and continuing to be temporarily stopped, extends, shortens, or interrupts the stop and resumes moving through the process described in the embodiment, the control unit 18F of the information processing terminal 18 may further display information indicating that the stop has been extended, shortened, or interrupted and the stop has resumed. The control unit 18F of the information processing terminal 18 may acquire this information from the management device 10.

[0308] The control unit 18F of the information processing terminal 18 outputs the display screen and the information to the output unit 18C, thereby enabling the user C operating the information processing terminal 18 to easily understand the location of the mobile object 20 and the status of the mobile object 20.

[0309] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the mobile body 20 is stopped at the first stop position P1 for the user C when the intention of the user C to purchase is detected, and continues to be stopped at the first stop position P1 based on status information of the mobile body 20 at the end of the sales operation. However, the first stop position P1 may be determined in advance. In this case, the mobile body 20 may stop at the predetermined first stop position P1 regardless of whether or not the intention of the user C to purchase is detected. Then, as in the above embodiment, the mobile body 20 may perform the same processing as above, such as continuing to be stopped at the first stop position P1 based on status information of the mobile body 20 at the end of the sales operation.

[0310] Note that the present technology can also be configured as follows. (1) A mobile body control method executed by a computer that controls a mobile body that moves autonomously and sells an object, the mobile body control method including: a specifying step of specifying a first stop position at which the mobile body should stop; a movement control step of stopping the mobile body at the first stop position; an action execution step of executing a sales action related to selling the object to a first user when the mobile body has stopped at the first stop position; a stop continuation determination step of determining whether to continue stopping the mobile body at the first stop position based on status information of the mobile body at the time of completion of the sales action; and a stop continuation control step of controlling the mobile body to continue stopping at the first stop position when it is determined to continue stopping. (2) The mobile body control method described in (1) above, including a detection step of detecting an intention to purchase by the first user, wherein the specifying step specifies a possible stop position around the first user as the first stop position when the intention to purchase is detected. (3) The mobile body control method according to (1) or (2), wherein the stop continuation determination step determines whether to continue the stop at the first stop position according to the situation information representing the presence status of a second user other than the first user who is present around the mobile body. (4) The mobile body control method according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the stop continuation determination step determines to continue the stop at the first stop position if an attribute of a second user other than the first user who is present around the mobile body, as represented by the situation information, is at least one of a sales promotion target and a saleable target of the target mounted on the mobile body. (5) The mobile body control method according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the stop continuation determination step determines to continue the stop at the first stop position if the target purchased by the first user, as represented by the situation information, is a predetermined target that has a promotional effect on second users other than the first user who are present around the mobile body.(6) The mobile object control method according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the stop continuation determination step determines to continue the stop at the first stopping position when at least one of the number of the objects purchased by the first user and the purchase amount of the objects, as represented by the situation information, is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. (7) The mobile object control method according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the stop continuation determination step determines to continue the stop at the first stopping position when the situation information represents that no other mobile object other than the mobile object with which at least some types of the objects overlap is present within a predetermined distance of the mobile object. (8) The mobile object control method according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the stop continuation determination step determines to continue the stop at the first stopping position when a total number of other mobile objects other than the mobile object that are present within a predetermined range including the first stopping position of the mobile object, as represented by the situation information, is less than a threshold. (9) The mobile body control method according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the vehicle stop continuation determination step determines to continue the vehicle at the first stopping position when the situation information indicates that another mobile body other than the mobile body equipped with the object of a different type that is likely to be used in conjunction with the type of object equipped with the mobile body exists within a predetermined distance. (10) The mobile body control method according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the vehicle stop continuation determination step determines to continue the vehicle at the first stopping position when the situation information indicates that the first stopping position is within an area with high sales effectiveness. (11) The mobile body control method described in any one of (1) to (10) above, wherein the step of determining whether to continue stopping determines that the vehicle should continue to be stopped at the first stopping position when the situation information indicates at least one of a first stopping history in which the vehicle has stopped a predetermined number of times or more in an area within a predetermined distance from the first stopping position due to detection of an intention to purchase, and a second stopping history in which the vehicle has stopped a predetermined number of times or more in the area within a predetermined period due to detection of an intention to purchase.(12) The mobile object control method according to any one of (1) to (11) above, wherein the vehicle stop continuation determination step determines to continue the vehicle at the first stopping position if at least one of weather, temperature, stopping location, and stopping time period represented by the situation information satisfies a predetermined condition. (13) The mobile object control method according to any one of (1) to (12) above, wherein the vehicle stop continuation determination step determines to continue the vehicle at the first stopping position if a change in the surrounding situation of the mobile object represented by the situation information from stopping at the first stopping position to the end of the selling operation is equal to or greater than a threshold. (14) The mobile body control method according to any one of (1) to (13), wherein the movement control step detects an intention of a second user other than the first user to purchase by the detecting step while the mobile body is moving to the first stop position and a second stop position is identified by the identifying step, and when a distance to the first stop position is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance, the mobile body moves to and stops at the second stop position. (15) A mobile body that moves autonomously and sells an object, comprising: an identifying unit that identifies a first stop position; a movement control unit that controls a drive unit of the mobile body to stop the mobile body at the first stop position; an operation execution unit that causes a sales operation unit of the mobile body to execute a sales operation related to the sale of the object to the first user when the mobile body has stopped at the first stop position; a stop continuation determination unit that determines whether to continue stopping at the first stop position based on status information of the mobile body at the time the sales operation ends; and a stop continuation control unit that controls the drive unit to continue stopping at the first stop position when it is determined to continue stopping.(16) A mobile body control program executed by a computer that controls a mobile body that moves autonomously and sells an object, the mobile body control program including: a specifying step of specifying a first stop position at which the mobile body should stop; a movement control step of stopping the mobile body at the first stop position; an action execution step of executing a sales action related to the sale of the object to a first user when the mobile body has stopped at the first stop position; a stop continuation determination step of determining whether to continue stopping at the first stop position based on status information of the mobile body at the time the sales action ends; and a stop continuation control step of controlling the mobile body to continue stopping at the first stop position when it is determined that the mobile body should continue stopping. (17) A management device having a control unit that manages a mobile body that moves autonomously and sells an object, wherein the mobile body comprises: an identification unit that identifies a first stopping position; a movement control unit that controls a drive unit of the mobile body to stop the mobile body at the first stopping position; an operation execution unit that causes a sales operation unit of the mobile body to execute a sales operation related to the sale of the object to a first user when the mobile body stops at the first stopping position; a stop continuation determination unit that determines whether to continue stopping at the first stopping position based on status information of the mobile body at the time the sales operation ends; and a stop continuation control unit that controls the drive unit to continue stopping at the first stopping position when it is determined that the mobile body should continue stopping, and the control unit transmits the status information to the mobile body.

[0311] 20 Mobile body 30A Movement control unit 30B Detection unit 30C Identification unit 30D Action execution unit 30E Stop continuation determination unit 30F Stop continuation control unit

Claims

1. A mobile object control method executed by a computer that controls a mobile object that moves autonomously and sells an object, comprising: a determination step of determining a first stop position at which the mobile object is to be stopped; a movement control step of stopping the mobile object at the first stop position; an operation execution step of executing a sales operation related to the sale of the object to a first user when the mobile object has stopped at the first stop position; a stop continuation determination step of determining whether or not to continue stopping at the first stop position based on status information of the mobile object at the end of the sales operation; and a stop continuation control step of controlling the mobile object to continue stopping at the first stop position when it is determined that the mobile object should continue to be stopped.

2. A mobile object control method as described in claim 1, further comprising a detection step of detecting an intention to purchase by the first user, and wherein the identification step, when the intention to purchase is detected, identifies a possible stopping location around the first user as the first stopping location.

3. The mobile body control method according to claim 1, wherein the stop continuation decision step determines whether or not to continue stopping at the first stopping position depending on the situation information representing the presence status of a second user other than the first user who is present around the mobile body.

4. The mobile body control method described in claim 1, wherein the step of determining whether to continue stopping at the first stopping position is carried out when the attributes of a second user other than the first user and present around the mobile body, as represented by the situation information, are at least one of a promotion target and a saleable target of the target mounted on the mobile body.

5. The mobile body control method described in claim 1, wherein the step of determining whether to continue stopping comprises determining to continue stopping at the first stopping position if the object purchased by the first user, as represented by the situation information, is a specified object having an advertising effect on second users other than the first user in the vicinity of the mobile body.

6. The mobile object control method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining whether to continue stopping at the first stopping position determines to continue stopping at the first stopping position when at least one of the number of the objects purchased by the first user and the purchase amount of the objects, as represented by the status information, is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

7. The mobile body control method of claim 1, wherein the vehicle stop continuation determination step determines to continue the vehicle stopping at the first stopping position when the situation information indicates that there are no other mobile bodies within a predetermined distance of the mobile body other than the mobile body with which at least some types of the target overlap.

8. The mobile body control method according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle stop continuation determination step determines to continue the vehicle at the first stop position when the total number of other mobile bodies other than the mobile body present within a predetermined range including the first stop position of the mobile body, as represented by the situation information, is less than a threshold value.

9. The mobile body control method of claim 1, wherein the vehicle stop continuation decision step determines to continue the vehicle stopping at the first stopping position when the situation information indicates that there is another mobile body within a predetermined distance other than the mobile body equipped with an object of a different type that is likely to be used in conjunction with the type of object mounted on the mobile body.

10. The mobile object control method according to claim 1, wherein the step of determining whether to continue stopping at the first stopping position is carried out when the status information indicates that the first stopping position is within an area with high sales effectiveness.

11. The mobile body control method of claim 2, wherein the vehicle stop continuation determination step determines to continue the vehicle at the first stopping position when the situation information represents at least one of a first stopping history in which the vehicle has stopped in an area within a predetermined distance from the first stopping position a predetermined number of times or more due to the detection of the intention to purchase, and a second stopping history in which the vehicle has stopped in the area a predetermined number of times or more within a predetermined period of time due to the detection of the intention to purchase.

12. The mobile body control method according to claim 1, wherein the step of determining whether to continue stopping at the first stopping position determines that the vehicle should continue stopping at the first stopping position if at least one of the weather, temperature, stopping location, and stopping time period represented by the situation information satisfies a predetermined condition.

13. The mobile object control method of claim 1, wherein the vehicle stop continuation determination step determines to continue the vehicle stopping at the first stopping position if a change in the surrounding conditions of the mobile object from stopping at the first stopping position to the end of the sales operation, as represented by the status information, is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

14. The mobile object control method of claim 2, wherein the movement control step comprises: when an intention to purchase by a second user other than the first user is detected by the detection step while the mobile object is moving to the first stopping position, and a second stopping position is identified by the identification step, moving and stopping the mobile object at the second stopping position if the distance to the first stopping position is a predetermined distance or longer.

15. A mobile body that moves autonomously and sells an object, comprising: an identification unit that identifies a first stopping position; a movement control unit that controls a drive unit of the mobile body to stop the mobile body at the first stopping position; an operation execution unit that causes a sales operation unit of the mobile body to execute a sales operation regarding the sale of the object to a first user when the mobile body stops at the first stopping position; a continuing stopping determination unit that determines whether to continue stopping at the first stopping position based on status information of the mobile body at the end of the sales operation; and a continuing stopping control unit that controls the drive unit to continue stopping at the first stopping position when it is determined that the mobile body should continue stopping.

16. A mobile body control program executed by a computer that controls a mobile body that moves autonomously and sells an object, comprising: a determination step of determining a first stop position at which the mobile body is to stop; a movement control step of stopping the mobile body at the first stop position; an operation execution step of executing a sales operation regarding the sale of the object to a first user when the mobile body has stopped at the first stop position; a stop continuation determination step of determining whether or not to continue stopping at the first stop position based on status information of the mobile body at the end of the sales operation; and a stop continuation control step of controlling the mobile body to continue stopping at the first stop position when it is determined that the mobile body should continue to be stopped.

Images