Occupant assistance device, occupant assistance program, and occupant assistance method

Abstract

An occupant assistance device (100, 200, 300) comprises: a request information acquisition unit (101) that acquires request information indicating a request from a passenger of a vehicle with regard to the use of that vehicle; and a request announcement unit (107, 207) that announces the passenger's request.

Description

Occupant support device, occupant support program, and occupant support method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an occupant assistance device, an occupant assistance program, and an occupant assistance method.

[0002] Conventionally, vehicles equipped with a ramp that is electrically deployed from the boarding / alighting entrance have been disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The vehicle described in Patent Document 1 deploys the ramp when a wheelchair user gets on or off, thereby enabling the wheelchair user to get on or off smoothly.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-61596

[0004] In vehicles with deployable ramps, such as the vehicle described in Patent Document 1, passengers using the ramp, such as wheelchair users, may wish to request assistance from other crew members or passengers. In this way, when a passenger has a request for assistance from those around them, there is a problem in that the passenger's request may not be conveyed to those around them.

[0005] The present disclosure is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an occupant assistance device, an occupant assistance program, and an occupant assistance method that are more capable of communicating requests to those around the vehicle than conventional methods.

[0006] The occupant assistance device of the present disclosure is characterized by comprising a request information acquisition unit that acquires request information indicating requests of vehicle passengers regarding the use of the vehicle, and a request notification unit that notifies the passengers of the requests.

[0007] The occupant assistance device according to the present disclosure notifies the passenger of the request of the vehicle, so that the passenger's request can be communicated to those around.

[0008] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an occupant assistance system according to embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an occupant assistance device according to embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an occupant assistance device according to embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the occupant assistance device according to embodiment 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an image displayed on a display device when there is no request currently being accepted by the occupant assistance device according to embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an image displayed on a display device when the occupant assistance device according to embodiment 1 starts processing to accept a passenger's request. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an image displayed on a display device when the occupant assistance device according to embodiment 1 selects one of a plurality of requests by a passenger. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an acceptance request image displayed on a display device by the occupant assistance device according to embodiment 1. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an acceptance confirmation image displayed on a display device by the occupant assistance device according to embodiment 1. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an acceptance request acceptance image displayed on a display device by the occupant assistance device according to embodiment 1. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an acceptance request acceptance image and an acceptance request image displayed on a display device by the occupant assistance device according to embodiment 1. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a request execution request image displayed on a display device by the occupant assistance device according to embodiment 1. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an occupant assistance system according to embodiment 2. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the occupant assistance device according to embodiment 2. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an image displayed on a display device when there is no request currently being accepted by the occupant assistance device according to embodiment 2. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an acceptance request image displayed on a display device by the occupant assistance device according to embodiment 2. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an entry / exit image displayed on a display device by the occupant assistance device according to embodiment 2. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a request termination confirmation image displayed on a display device by the occupant assistance device according to embodiment 2. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an occupant assistance system according to embodiment 3. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the occupant assistance device according to embodiment 3. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a reward information image according to reward information displayed on a display device by the occupant assistance device according to embodiment 3.

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Embodiment 1. First, a schematic configuration of an occupant assistance system 1 according to embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the occupant assistance system 1 according to embodiment 1. The occupant assistance system 1 is a system for assisting an occupant of a vehicle by transmitting a request from a passenger using the vehicle to those around the vehicle and encouraging those around the vehicle to comply with the request. As shown in FIG. 1, the occupant assistance system 1 according to embodiment 1 includes an occupant assistance device 100 and a plurality of input / output devices 11, 12, ..., 1N corresponding to a plurality of occupants (occupants) riding in the vehicle, which are electrically connected to each other so as to be able to communicate information with each other. The occupant assistance device 100 is not limited to being directly connected to the input / output devices 11, 12, ..., 1N. The occupant assistance device 100 may be connected by wired or wireless connection via a communication network such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), an intranet, the Internet, or a telephone line, or may be indirectly connected via another device such as a server. In the occupant assistance system 1, some or all of the functions of the occupant assistance device 100 may be provided by any of the input / output devices. Alternatively, the occupant assistance device 100 may be configured to achieve some or all of the functions of the occupant assistance device 100 through cooperation between multiple input / output devices. The input / output devices may be configured to communicate with each other via short-range wireless communication. In the first embodiment, "N" is a natural number greater than or equal to 2.

[0010] The input / output device 11 includes an input device 11a and a display device 11b and is used by those involved with the vehicle, such as a passenger on board the vehicle and a vehicle operation manager who manages the operation of the vehicle outside the vehicle. For example, the input / output device 11 is a terminal such as a personal computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, or a mobile phone. For example, the input / output device 11 may be a device owned by a specific passenger, or may be a device installed in a passenger compartment of the vehicle and used by multiple passengers. For example, the input / output device 11 may be used by a passenger of a vehicle that can accommodate multiple passengers. In the first embodiment, the term "passenger" refers to the crew and passengers on the specific vehicle in question, and includes not only those on board the vehicle at the time each process is performed, but also those who are scheduled to board the vehicle. In the first embodiment, a vehicle is described as an example of a vehicle, but the vehicle according to the present disclosure may be a ship, an airplane, or any other vehicle that can transport passengers.

[0011] The input device 11a receives an input operation by a user and generates a signal corresponding to the input operation. For example, the input device 11a may be configured with a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, a microphone, or other input device. The input device 11a outputs the generated signal to the display device 11b and the occupant support system 100. The display device 11b displays an image based on the signal from the input device 11a and the information from the occupant support system 100. For example, the display device 11b may be configured with a liquid crystal display panel, an organic or inorganic electroluminescence (EL) panel, or other display device. The input / output device 11 is used so that a user can perform an input operation based on the image displayed on the display device 11b while viewing the image.

[0012] The configurations of the input / output devices 12, ..., and input / output device 1N are similar to that of the input / output device 11, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. For example, the input / output devices 12, ..., and input / output device 1N are each used by a different occupant from the input / output device 11. Furthermore, at least one of the input / output devices 11, 12, ..., and input / output device 1N is used by a passenger of the vehicle. Note that in the first embodiment, the input / output devices 11, 12, ..., and input / output device 1N are collectively referred to as the input / output device 10, the input devices 11a, 12a, ..., and input device 1Na are collectively referred to as the input device 10a, and the display devices 11b, 12b, ..., and display device 1Nb are collectively referred to as the display device 10b.

[0013] The occupant assistance device 100 includes a request information acquisition unit 101, a request acceptance information acquisition unit 102, and a display control unit 107. The request information acquisition unit 101 acquires request information indicating a request from a passenger of the vehicle regarding use of the vehicle. For example, the request information acquisition unit 101 acquires request information indicating a request from the passenger using the input / output device 10 based on a signal from the input / output device 10. Specifically, the request information acquisition unit 101 acquires request information indicating which of a plurality of preset requests has been selected by the passenger using the input / output device 10 based on the signal from the input / output device 10. For example, the request from the passenger using the input / output device 10 is a request related to getting on and off the vehicle, and is a request to another person using the input / output device 10 regarding the vehicle. Specifically, the request from the passenger using the input / output device 10 is at least one of a request for assistance in getting on and off the vehicle and a request for a change in the stopping position of the vehicle so that the passenger can get on and off. When the request information acquisition unit 101 acquires the request information, the passenger's request related to the request information is accepted by the occupant assistance device 100 .

[0014] The request acceptance information acquisition unit 102 acquires request acceptance information indicating that another person related to the vehicle accepts a request from a passenger using the input / output device 10. For example, the request acceptance information acquisition unit 102 acquires request acceptance information indicating that a specific occupant, other than the passenger who made the request, will accept the request. Specifically, the request acceptance information acquisition unit 102 acquires, based on information from the input / output device 10, request acceptance information indicating that another occupant, other than the passenger who made the request, who uses the input / output device 10, will accept the request.

[0015] The display control unit 107 controls the video displayed on the display device 10b of the input / output device 10 based on a signal from the input / output device 10 and the results of processing by the request information acquisition unit 101 and the request acceptance information acquisition unit 102. For example, the display control unit 107 causes the display device 10b to display a video related to a request currently being accepted by a passenger using the input / output device 10. Specifically, the display control unit 107 causes the display device 10b to display a video indicating a request currently being accepted by the passenger based on the request information acquired by the request information acquisition unit 101. In other words, the display control unit 107 causes the display device 10b to display a video indicating an uncompleted request among the passenger requests based on the request information acquired by the request information acquisition unit 101. The display control unit 107 displays a video indicating the passenger's request on the display device 10b, thereby notifying others of the passenger's request. Note that in the first embodiment, the display control unit 107 configures a request notification unit that notifies the passenger of the request by displaying the passenger's request on the display device 10b of the input / output device 10.

[0016] Furthermore, for example, the display control unit 107 causes the display device 10b to display an image related to the request acceptance information acquired by the request acceptance information acquisition unit 102. Specifically, the display control unit 107 causes the display device 10b to display an image indicating that a request of a specific passenger has been accepted by another person, based on the request acceptance information acquired by the request acceptance information acquisition unit 102. For example, the display control unit 107 causes the display device 10b of the input / output device 10 used by the passenger to display an image indicating that a request of a specific passenger has been accepted by another person, based on the request acceptance information acquired by the request acceptance information acquisition unit 102. Note that in the first embodiment, the display control unit 107 constitutes an acceptance notification unit that notifies the requesting passenger and other crew members that the request has been accepted by displaying on the display device 10b of the input / output device 10 that the passenger's request has been accepted by another crew member. Details of the image displayed on the display device 10b by the display control unit 107 will be described later.

[0017] Next, the hardware configuration of the occupant support system 100 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the occupant support system 100, and Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the occupant support system 100 that is different from that shown in Figure 2. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the occupant support system 100 is a computer having a processor 100a, a memory 100b, and an I / O port 100c, and is configured so that the processor 100a reads and executes a program stored in the memory 100b.

[0018] 3, the occupant support system 100 is a computer that includes a processing circuit 100d, which is dedicated hardware, and an I / O port 100c, and that executes a program. The processing circuit 100d is configured, for example, by a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. Each function of the occupant support system 100 is realized by the processor 100a or the processing circuit 100d, which is dedicated hardware, executing a program.

[0019] Next, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 4 to 13 , a process performed by the occupant support device 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed by the occupant support device 100 for assisting passengers in a vehicle such as a public bus, as an example of the process performed by the occupant support device 100. As shown in FIG. 4 , when the occupant support device 100 starts the process, it first displays an image of a request currently being accepted on the display device 10b based on the acquired request acceptance information (step ST01). In this process, the occupant support device 100 notifies other occupants using the input / output device 10 of the passenger's request by displaying an image of the currently being accepted request on the display device 10b. In other words, in this process, the occupant support device 100 notifies other occupants in the same vehicle as the passenger who made the request of the passenger's request by displaying an image of the currently being accepted request on the display device 10b. In the process of step ST01, if there is no request currently being accepted, the occupant support system 100 does not display an image showing the passenger's request on the display device 10b.

[0020] 5 is a diagram showing an image displayed on the display device 10b by the occupant assistance device 100 when there is no request currently being accepted in the process of step ST01. As shown in FIG. 5, when there is no request currently being accepted, the occupant assistance device 100 causes each display device 10b to display, as an image, a requested location selection button, which is a user interface for accepting the selection of a location corresponding to the request, and a request acceptance button A1c, which is a user interface for starting the process of accepting the passenger's request. For example, the requested location selection button is an image including a first stop button A1a indicating the next stop and a second stop button A1b indicating the next or subsequent stops. For example, the request acceptance button A1c is an image including the character string "Request," which indicates to the passenger that the passenger's request will be accepted.

[0021] 5 is displayed on the input / output device 11, a passenger may select one of the requested location selection buttons, and location information corresponding to the request made in response to the selection operation is input to the occupant assistance device 100. In the first embodiment, the selection operation is an input operation indicating that the relevant image has been selected, and is, for example, an operation of touching the relevant image on a touch panel, or an operation of clicking while pointing the cursor at the image on a terminal device that uses a cursor.

[0022] Fig. 6 shows an image displayed on the display device 10b when the occupant assistance device 100 starts processing to accept a passenger's request. For example, when a passenger using the input / output device 11 in a state in which the image shown in Fig. 5 is displayed selects and operates the request acceptance button A1c, the occupant assistance device 100 causes the display device 11b to display the request selection image shown in Fig. 6 in the display area A1. The occupant assistance device 100 causes the display device 11b to display, as the request selection image, an image including a request selection guide image A1d that guides the passenger to select one of a plurality of preset requests, and a request list image A1e that shows a list of selectable requests from the plurality of preset requests.

[0023] The occupant assistance device 100 causes the display device 11b to display, as the request selection guide image A1d, for example, an image showing the sentence "Please select a request," which is a character string for guiding the passenger to select one of a plurality of requests including a first request and a second request that have been preset. The occupant assistance device 100 also causes the display device 11b to display, as the request list image A1e, for example, an image including a plurality of request type buttons A1e1, A1e2, A1e3, and A1e4 that respectively show a plurality of predetermined requests related to getting on and off the vehicle and that serve as a user interface for the passenger to select one of the plurality of requests. Specifically, the occupant assistance device 100 displays on the display device 11b an image as a request list image A1e that includes a request type button A1e1 indicating a request for assistance when a wheelchair passenger gets on and off the train, a request type button A1e2 indicating a request for assistance when a passenger carrying a stroller gets on and off the train, a request type button A1e4 indicating a request for luggage transportation when a passenger carrying luggage gets on and off the train, and a request type button A1e3 indicating a request for the vehicle's stopping position for passengers to get on and off the train.

[0024] For example, possible requests for assistance when a wheelchair-using passenger gets on and off the bus include a request to assist the wheelchair in moving at the bus stop where the requesting passenger gets on and off, a request to install and store a ramp for the wheelchair to move at the bus stop where the requesting passenger gets on and off, etc. Also, possible requests for assistance when a passenger carrying a stroller gets on and off the bus include a request to assist the stroller in moving at the bus stop where the requesting passenger gets on and off, a request to carry the passenger's other luggage as the stroller moves at the bus stop where the requesting passenger gets on and off, a request to guide the passenger's child as the stroller moves at the bus stop where the requesting passenger gets on and off, a request to install and store a ramp for the stroller to move at the bus stop where the requesting passenger gets on and off, etc.

[0025] The image indicating requests that the occupant assistance device 100 displays on the display device 10b as a request list image is not limited to an image indicating multiple requests related to getting on and off the vehicle, but may be, for example, a request related to movement within the vehicle while on board, or may be an image indicating a single request. Examples of requests related to movement within the vehicle while on board include a request to change seats while on board, a request to secure an aisle when moving within the vehicle while on board, a request to transport luggage while moving within the vehicle while on board, and a request for assistance when moving in a wheelchair within the vehicle while on board.

[0026] For example, a request regarding the transportation of luggage when a passenger carrying luggage gets on or off the bus may include a request to help with the transportation of the luggage at the bus stop where the passenger making the request gets on or off. For example, a request regarding the vehicle stopping positions where passengers get on or off may include changing the vehicle stopping positions where the passenger making the request gets on or off, adding a stopping position, and changing the vehicle route accordingly.

[0027] Fig. 7 shows an image that the occupant support device 100 displays on the display device 10b when a passenger selects a request. For example, when a passenger using the input / output device 11 while the image shown in Fig. 6 is displayed selects one of the request type buttons A1e1 to A1e4, the occupant support device 100 displays a request confirmation image in the display area A1 of the display device 11b, allowing the passenger to confirm the content of the selection made by the requesting passenger. Fig. 7 shows a request confirmation image that the occupant support device 100 displays in the display area A1 of the display device 11b when a passenger using the input / output device 11 while the image shown in Fig. 6 is displayed selects the request type button A1e1.

[0028] As shown in Figure 7, when a request is selected by a passenger using the input / output device 11, the occupant assistance device 100 displays on the display device 10b an image including: a selection request image A1f indicating the selected request; a request confirmation image A1g indicating the location corresponding to the selected request and a character string for confirming the intention to make the request; a positive button A1h1 which is a user interface for inputting an intention to indicate that the request displayed on the display device 11b matches the request selected by the passenger; and a negative button A1h2 which is a user interface for inputting an intention to indicate that the request displayed on the display device 11b matches the request selected by the passenger.

[0029] 7 is displayed, the occupant support system 100 acquires request information indicating which of a plurality of preset requests the passenger has requested and the location corresponding to the request. When the YES button A1h1 is selected by a passenger using the input / output device 11 while the image shown in Fig. 7 is displayed, the occupant support system 100 determines that the request information has not been acquired and causes the display device 11b to display the image before the request acceptance button A1c was selected.

[0030] After the processing of step ST01, the occupant support device 100 determines whether or not it has acquired request information indicating a new request from a passenger (step ST02). In this step, the occupant support device 100 determines whether or not it has acquired request information indicating a new request other than the passenger request already displayed as an image on each display device 11b, based on the request information acquired by the request information acquisition unit 101. Note that the new request may be from a passenger other than the passenger who made the request already displayed as an image on each display device 11b, or may be from the same passenger.

[0031] If request information indicating a new request from a passenger is acquired in the process of step ST02 (YES in step ST02), the occupant support system 100 accepts the new request based on the acquired request information and updates the request acceptance information (step ST19). After completing the process of step ST19, the occupant support system 100 returns the process to step ST01.

[0032] 8 and 9 are diagrams showing an image of a received request that the occupant assistance device 100 displays on the display device 10b. As shown in Fig. 8, when the occupant assistance device 100 acquires new request information relating to a request from a passenger using the input / output device 11, the occupant assistance device 100 displays an image including a reception request image A1j1 indicating the received request based on the updated request reception information on the display device 11b in the processing of step ST01. Fig. 8 shows, based on the appearance and display position of the reception request image A1j1, a state in which a request for assistance for a wheelchair-using passenger getting on and off the bus at the "Mobimachi 2-chome" bus stop has been received.

[0033] 9, when the occupant assistance device 100 acquires new request information related to a request from a passenger using the input / output device 11, in the processing of step ST01, based on the updated request acceptance information, the occupant assistance device 100 displays an image including an acceptance request image A2j1, which is a user interface for occupants other than the passenger who made the request, in the display area A2 of the input / output device 10 used by another occupant, for example, the display device 12b of the input / output device 12. FIG. 9 shows, based on the appearance and display position of the acceptance request image A2j1, a state in which a request for assistance for another wheelchair-using passenger getting on and off the bus at the "Mobicho 2-chome" bus stop has been accepted.

[0034] Note that the reception request video A1j1 and the reception request video A2j1 may be images that look the same to each other, but if they look different to each other, each passenger can visually distinguish whether the reception request video is an image that shows their own request or an image that shows the request of another person, so it is desirable that the reception request video A1j1 and the reception request video A2j1 be images that look different to each other. The difference in appearance may be a difference in edging, as in the case of the reception request video A1j1 shown in Fig. 8 and the reception request video A2j1 shown in Fig. 9, a difference in color, a difference in a symbol or character string for identification (not shown), or a combination of these, and various other differences are possible.

[0035] When the reception request image A2j1 is selected and operated by an occupant using the input / output device 12 while the image shown in Figure 9 is being displayed, in other words, by an occupant other than the passenger who made the request related to the reception request image A2j1, the occupant assistance device 100 displays the image shown in Figure 10 on the input / output device 10 used by the occupant, for example, on the display device 12b of the input / output device 12.

[0036] 10 is a diagram showing an acceptance confirmation image that the occupant causes the occupant assistance device 100 to display on the display device 12b when the acceptance request image A2j1 is selected by an occupant using the input / output device 12 displaying the image shown in Fig. 9, for confirming that the occupant accepts the request related to the acceptance request image A2j1. As shown in Fig. 10, when the acceptance request image A2j1 is selected, the occupant assistance device 100 causes the display device 12b to display, as the acceptance confirmation image, an image including an acceptance request image A2f indicating the request of another person that the occupant will accept, a request acceptance request image A2g1 indicating the location corresponding to the request and a character string requesting acceptance of the request, and a request confirmation button A2h that is a user interface for inputting an intention to accept the request.

[0037] When the request confirmation button A2h is selected by an occupant using the input / output device 12 while the image shown in Figure 10 is displayed, the occupant assistance device 100 acquires request acceptance information indicating that the occupant has accepted the request related to the request confirmation button A2h.

[0038] If new request information from a passenger has not been acquired in the process of step ST02 (NO in step ST02), the occupant support system 100 determines whether new request acceptance information for the currently accepted request has been acquired (step ST03). If new request acceptance information for the currently accepted request has not been acquired in the process of step ST03 (NO in step ST03), the occupant support system 100 returns the process to step ST02.

[0039] 11 is a diagram showing a request acceptance image A1j2 that the occupant support device 100 displays on the display device 11b of the input / output device 11 used by the passenger who made the request. In the process of step ST03, if new request acceptance information for the currently accepted request has been acquired (YES in step ST03), the occupant support device 100 performs the process of step ST19 to update the request acceptance information indicating the currently accepted request, and then performs the process of step ST01. At this time, based on the updated request acceptance information, the occupant support device 100 causes the display device 11b of the input / output device 11 used by the passenger who made the accepted request to display an image including the content of the request and a request acceptance image A1j2 indicating that the request has been accepted.

[0040] At this time, the occupant assistance device 100 may display the reception request acceptance video A1j2 on the display device 12b of the input / output device 12 used by the occupant who accepted the request, or may display, instead of the reception request acceptance video A1j2, an image with a different appearance from the reception request acceptance video A1j2, which indicates the content of the request and that the occupant has accepted the request.Also, at this time, the occupant assistance device 100 may display the reception request acceptance video A1j2 on the display device of an input / output device used by a occupant other than the passenger who made the request and the occupant who accepted the request, or may display, instead of the reception request acceptance video A1j2, an image with a different appearance from the reception request acceptance video A1j2, which indicates the content of the request and that the request has been accepted by another person.

[0041] It is desirable that the reception request acceptance video A1j2 has a different appearance from the reception request video A1j1 shown in Fig. 8. By displaying the reception request acceptance video A1j2, which has a different appearance from the reception request video A1j1, on the display device 11b, the occupant assistance device 100 can notify the passenger who made the request that their request has been accepted by another person.

[0042] 12 is a diagram showing a reception request acceptance video A1j2 and a reception request video A1j3 that are displayed on the display device 11b of the input / output device 11 used by the passenger who made the request by the occupant assistance device 100. For example, if a new request is made by a passenger other than the passenger using the input / output device 11 while the video shown in FIG. 11 is being displayed on the display device 11b of the input / output device 11, the occupant assistance device 100 causes the display device 11b to display a reception request video A1j3 indicating that the request of the other passenger has been accepted, together with the reception request acceptance video A1j2.

[0043] 13 illustrates a request execution request image A2g2, which the occupant assistance device 100 displays on the display device 12b of the input / output device 12 used by the occupant who accepted the request, to request the execution of the request. The request execution request image A2g2 includes, for example, an image showing a location corresponding to the accepted request and a character string requesting the execution of the accepted request. As illustrated in FIG. 13 , when a vehicle arrives at a bus stop corresponding to the accepted request, the occupant assistance device 100 displays, on the display device 12b of the input / output device 12 used by the occupant who accepted the request, an acceptance request image A2f, a request execution request image A2g2, and a request confirmation button A2h, which is a user interface for confirming that the accepted request has been executed. When the occupant using the input / output device 12 displaying the image illustrated in FIG. 13 selects and operates the request confirmation button A2h, the occupant assistance device 100 acquires information indicating that the passenger has completed the execution of the request related to the request confirmation button A2h. In addition, if the occupant who executed the request is a passenger of the vehicle, the selection operation of the request confirmation button A2h may be performed after the passenger gets off the vehicle.

[0044] As described above, the occupant assistance device 100 according to the first embodiment includes a request information acquisition unit that acquires request information indicating requests from a passenger of the vehicle regarding the use of the vehicle, and a request notification unit that notifies the passenger of the request. With this configuration, the occupant assistance device 100 notifies the passenger of the request of the vehicle, thereby enabling the passenger's request to be communicated to those around the vehicle. Furthermore, by communicating the passenger's request to those around the vehicle, the occupant assistance device 100 can encourage others to comply with the request and support the passenger who made the request in using the vehicle. Furthermore, by communicating the passenger's request to those around the vehicle, the occupant assistance device 100 can improve the predictability of other passengers making the request. Furthermore, the occupant assistance device 100 can, for example, communicate a request that affects the operation of the vehicle to those around the vehicle, thereby encouraging others to comply with the request and reducing the impact of the passenger's request on the operation of the vehicle. Furthermore, the occupant assistance device 100 can be configured, for example, to communicate the requests of passengers on a vehicle to other passengers, thereby encouraging passengers to respond to each other's requests, and therefore the above-mentioned effects can be expected even on vehicles where there is no crew member, such as an automatic driver.

[0045] Furthermore, the passenger requests reported by the occupant assistance device 100 according to the first embodiment are requests associated with boarding and disembarking from a vehicle. With this configuration, the occupant assistance device 100 can assist passengers in using a vehicle when boarding and disembarking from a vehicle, a time when passenger requests are likely to occur. Generally, passenger requests when boarding and disembarking from a vehicle may affect operation, for example, by increasing the time required for boarding and disembarking and causing delays in arrival at the destination. If the impact on operation is poorly predictable, this may cause psychological stress on the occupants and the operation manager. By reporting passenger requests associated with boarding and disembarking that affect the operation of a vehicle, the occupant assistance device 100 according to the first embodiment can improve the predictability of operation for the occupants and the operation manager other than the passenger making the request, thereby reducing the psychological stress on the occupants and the operation manager.

[0046] Furthermore, the occupant assistance device 100 according to the first embodiment visually notifies the passenger of the request by causing the display device 10b used by the other occupants of the vehicle to display an image related to the requested information via the display control unit 107. With this configuration, the occupant assistance device 100 can visualize the passenger's request, making it easier to communicate the request to others.

[0047] The occupant assistance device 100 according to the first embodiment also includes a request acceptance information acquisition unit 102 that acquires request acceptance information indicating that a specific occupant among occupants other than the passenger making the request will accept the request, and a display control unit 107 that notifies the passenger making the request and other occupants, including occupants other than the passenger accepting the request, that the specific occupant will accept the request. With this configuration, the occupant assistance device 100 can improve the predictability of operation for the passenger making the request, the other occupants, and the operation manager by notifying that the passenger's request has been accepted by the other occupants, thereby reducing the psychological burden on the occupants and the operation manager.

[0048] In the first embodiment, the occupant assistance device 100 notifies other occupants of the same vehicle who use the input / output device 10 of a request from a vehicle passenger, but the present invention is not limited to this. The occupant assistance device only needs to notify other people related to the vehicle who use the input / output device 10 of a request from a vehicle passenger, and the other people related to the vehicle who use the input / output device 10 may be an operation manager who manages the operation of the vehicle in which the passenger is riding, a crew member of the vehicle in which the passenger is riding, or another passenger in the vehicle in which the passenger is riding.

[0049] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the occupant assistance device 100 is configured to acquire request information indicating a passenger's request based on a signal from the input device 10a included in the input / output device 10, which is a terminal such as a computer used by the passenger of the vehicle. However, this is not limited to this. The occupant assistance device may be configured to acquire request information indicating a passenger's request based on a signal from an input device such as a switch that does not have an information processing function and outputs an on / off signal, a touch sensor, an optical sensor, or a speaker that can input audio information. Alternatively, the occupant assistance device may be configured to acquire request information indicating a passenger's request based on a signal from an input device operated by a passenger other than the passenger making the request. Furthermore, the occupant assistance device may be configured to acquire request information indicating a passenger's request based on a signal corresponding to an inference result using a trained model from the input device. For example, the occupant assistance device may include an inference unit that infers at least one of the presence or absence of a passenger's request and the content of the request using a trained model based on image information obtained by capturing an image of the interior of the passenger compartment from an input device having an imaging device such as a camera (not shown), and acquire request information corresponding to the inference result.

[0050] In addition, in the first embodiment, the occupant assistance device 100 is configured to notify other people of the passenger's request by displaying an image related to the request information on the display device 10b used by the other occupants of the vehicle, but is not limited to this. The occupant assistance device may be configured to notify other people of the passenger's request, for example, by outputting a sound from a speaker used by the other occupants, or by changing the light emission mode of a lamp visible to other occupants.

[0051] In the first embodiment, the occupant assistance system 1 includes the occupant assistance device 100 and the plurality of input / output devices 10, but is not limited to this. For example, the occupant assistance system may include the occupant assistance device and one input / output device, and may be configured so that the one input / output device is used by multiple occupants.

[0052] Embodiment 2 Next, an occupant assistance system 2 according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figures 14 to 19. The occupant assistance system 2 according to Embodiment 2 differs from the occupant assistance system 1 according to Embodiment 1 in the configuration of devices other than the input / output device 10 connected to the occupant assistance device and in the configuration of part of the occupant assistance device, but the other configuration is the same as in Embodiment 1. Therefore, the same components as in Embodiment 1 will be given the same names and symbols as in Embodiment 1 and will not be described again.

[0053] First, a schematic configuration of an occupant assistance system 2 according to embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the occupant assistance system 2 according to embodiment 2. As shown in Fig. 14, the occupant assistance system 2 according to embodiment 2 includes an occupant assistance device 200, a plurality of input / output devices 11, 12, ..., 1N corresponding to a plurality of occupants aboard the vehicle, respectively, an in-cabin display device 20 installed in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, and an input / output device 40 used by an operation manager of the vehicle, which are electrically connected to each other so as to be able to communicate information with each other.

[0054] The in-cabin display device 20 is configured to display an image based on signals from the input device 10a, signals from the input device 40a, and information from the occupant assistance device 200, and is positioned so that the displayed image can be viewed by multiple passengers in the cabin. The configuration and function of the in-cabin display device 20 are similar to those of the display device 10b, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Note that, like the input / output device 10, the in-cabin display device 20 may be provided with an input device (not shown) and configured to be able to accept input operations by passengers.

[0055] The input / output device 40 is configured to display images based on signals from the input device 40a and information from the occupant support device 200, and is used by a dispatcher who manages the operation of a vehicle. The input device 40a receives input operations from the dispatcher and generates signals corresponding to the input operations. For example, the input device 40a may be configured to include a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, a microphone, or other input devices. The input device 40a outputs the generated signals to the display device 40b and the occupant support device 200. The input device 40a is configured to be capable of performing input operations similar to those performed on the input device 10a, as well as input operations for operating a vehicle. For example, the dispatcher using the input / output device 40 can perform operations related to the managed vehicle, such as moving and stopping the vehicle, setting and changing the vehicle's route, opening and closing the boarding and alighting entrances, installing and retracting ramps installed at the boarding and alighting entrances, outputting audio to the vehicle's passenger compartment, and operating the in-cabin display device 20, by inputting operations on the input device 40a.

[0056] The display device 40b displays an image based on signals from the input device 10a and the input device 40a, and information from the occupant support system 200. The configuration and functions of the display device 40b are similar to those of the display device 10b, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0057] The occupant support device 200 includes a request information acquisition unit 101 , a request acceptance information acquisition unit 102 , a request restriction information acquisition unit 203 , a request termination information acquisition unit 204 , a position information acquisition unit 206 , and a display control unit 207 .

[0058] The request restriction information acquisition unit 203 acquires request restriction information indicating restrictions on the acceptance of passenger requests based on signals from the input device 10a and the input device 40a. For example, if the crew assistance system 2 is a system that accepts requests only from passengers other than the requesting passenger, when there are no other passengers in the vehicle of the requesting passenger, the request restriction information indicating restrictions on the acceptance of requests is acquired based on an input operation by a crew member on the input device 10a or an input signal from a sensor that detects passengers in the passenger compartment (not shown). Furthermore, for example, to avoid delays in the operation of the vehicle beyond an acceptable range, the request restriction information indicating restrictions on the acceptance of requests is acquired based on an input operation by a crew member or an operation manager of the vehicle on the input device 10a or the input device 40a. Note that the restriction on the acceptance of requests indicated by the request restriction information may be to stop the acceptance of all requests, to limit the acceptance of one or more of a plurality of pre-set requests, or to limit the number of requests that can be accepted.

[0059] The request end information acquisition unit 204 acquires request end information indicating that a passenger's request has ended, based on signals from the input device 10 a and the input device 40 a. For example, the request end information acquisition unit 204 acquires request end information indicating that a passenger's request has ended, based on one or both of an input operation performed on the input device 10 a by a crew member who accepted the request when executing the request, and an input operation performed on the input device 10 a by a passenger who made the request after the request has been executed by another crew member.

[0060] The position information acquisition unit 206 acquires position information indicating the position of the vehicle on the travel route. For example, the position information acquisition unit 206 acquires position information indicating the position of the vehicle on the travel route based on signals from devices that detect the position of the vehicle, such as a satellite positioning system, such as a GPS (Global Positioning System), that receives radio waves from positioning satellites and determines the position of the vehicle using the received radio waves, a sensor (not shown) that is arranged on the travel route and detects the vehicle, or an acceleration sensor (not shown) provided on the vehicle. Note that the position information acquisition unit may be configured to acquire position information indicating the position of the vehicle on the travel route based on an input operation on the input device 10a by a vehicle occupant who visually checks the position of the vehicle.

[0061] The display control unit 207 controls images displayed on the display device 10b of the input / output device 10, the in-cabin display device 20, and the display device 40b of the input / output device 40, based on signals from the input / output device 10 and the input / output device 40, and results of processing by the request information acquisition unit 101, the request acceptance information acquisition unit 102, the request restriction information acquisition unit 203, the request termination information acquisition unit 204, and the position information acquisition unit 206. For example, in addition to the image displayed on the display device 10b by the display control unit 107 according to the first embodiment, or instead of the image displayed on the display device 10b by the display control unit 107 according to the first embodiment, the display control unit 207 causes the display device 10b to display an image based on the results of processing by the request restriction information acquisition unit 203, the request termination information acquisition unit 204, and the position information acquisition unit 206. Specifically, the display control unit 207 causes the display device 10b to display an image indicating the position of the vehicle on the operating route. Also, for example, the display control unit 207 causes the in-cabin display device 20 and the display device 40b to display an image similar to the image displayed on the display device 10b.

[0062] Furthermore, the display control unit 207 determines not to notify the passenger's request if the passenger's request is restricted based on the request restriction information acquired by the request restriction information acquisition unit 203. For example, when causing the display device 10b to display a request list image A1e showing a list of selectable requests from a plurality of preset requests (see FIG. 6 ), if the request restriction information acquisition unit 203 has acquired request restriction information, the display control unit 207 causes the display device 10b to display an image showing a request whose acceptance is not restricted, but does not cause the display device 10b to display an image showing a request whose acceptance is restricted.

[0063] Furthermore, for example, when the display control unit 207 causes the display device 10b to display a request list image A1e showing a list of selectable requests from among a plurality of preset requests (see FIG. 6 ), if request restriction information has been acquired by the request restriction information acquisition unit 203, the display control unit 207 causes the display device 10b to display an image showing, in a distinguishable manner, requests whose acceptance is not restricted and requests whose acceptance is restricted from among the plurality of preset requests. Specifically, the display control unit 207 causes the display device 10b to display an image showing, among the plurality of preset requests, requests whose acceptance is not restricted in a relatively dark color and requests whose acceptance is restricted in a relatively light color. 6 is displayed on the display device 10b, when a passenger selects a request type button indicating a request whose acceptance is not restricted among a plurality of preset requests, the display control unit 207 causes the display device 10b to display a request confirmation image for confirming the content selected by the passenger making the request, and when a passenger selects a request type button indicating a request whose acceptance is restricted, the display control unit 207 does not cause the display device 10b to display a request confirmation image for confirming the content selected by the passenger making the request. Details of the images displayed by the display device 10b, the in-cabin display device 20, and the display device 40b by the display control unit 207 will be described later.

[0064] In the second embodiment, the display control unit 207 configures a request notification unit that notifies a passenger of a request by displaying the request on the display device 10b of the input / output device 10 and the display device 40b of the input / output device 40. In the second embodiment, the display control unit 207 configures a request notification unit that notifies the requesting passenger and other crew members that the request has been accepted by displaying on the display device 10b of the input / output device 10 and the display device 40b of the input / output device 40. The hardware configuration of the occupant assistance device 200 is similar to that of the occupant assistance device 100, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0065] Next, the processing performed by the occupant support device 200 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 14 to 19. Figure 15 is a flowchart showing, as an example of the processing performed by the occupant support device 200, the processing performed by the occupant support device 200 for supporting passengers of a vehicle such as a passenger bus. Note that the processing of steps ST02 and ST03 performed by the occupant support device 200 according to the second embodiment is similar to the processing of steps ST02 and ST03 performed by the occupant support device 100 according to the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, it is assumed that the in-cabin display device 20 and the display device 40b are displaying the same image as that of the display device 10b.

[0066] As shown in Fig. 15, when the crew assistance device 200 starts processing, it first displays on the display device 10b an image of the vehicle's position on the route based on the acquired vehicle position information and an image of a request currently being accepted based on the acquired request acceptance information (step ST01). In this process, the crew assistance device 200 displays, as an image of the vehicle's position, request location selection buttons including, for example, a first stop button A1a indicating the next stop and a second stop button A1b indicating stops after the next stop (see Fig. 5). In this process, the crew assistance device 200 also notifies other crew members and the operation manager, who are using the input / output device 10, of the passenger's request by displaying an image of the currently being accepted request on the display device 10b.

[0067] 16 is a diagram showing an example of an image that the crew assistance device 200 displays in the display area A3 of the display device 10b of the input / output device 10 used by the crew, the in-cabin display device 20, and the display device 40b of the input / output device 40 when there is no request currently being accepted. Since the crew assistance device 200 does not need to display the request acceptance button A1c on the display device 10b of the input / output device 10 used by the crew, the in-cabin display device 20, and the display device 40b of the input / output device 40, as shown in FIG. 16, the crew assistance device 200 may be configured not to display the request acceptance button A1c, or may be configured to display an image similar to that on the display device 10b of the input / output device 10 used by the passenger, as shown in FIG.

[0068] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the display device 10b of the input / output device 10 used by the crew, the in-cabin display device 20, and the display area A3 of the input / output device 40 when a request is being accepted. As shown in FIG. 17 , when a request is being accepted, the crew assistance device 200 displays an acceptance request image indicating the accepted request on the display device 10b of the input / output device 10 used by the crew, the in-cabin display device 20, and the display area A3 of the input / output device 40. FIG. 17 illustrates a state in which a request for assistance for a wheelchair passenger boarding and disembarking, and a request for luggage transportation for a passenger carrying luggage boarding and disembarking at the bus stop "Mobimachi 2-chome" are being accepted, based on the appearance and display position of the acceptance request image A3j1 and the acceptance request image A3j2. Note that, in this state, the crew assistance device 200 may be configured to display an image corresponding to the acceptance status of the request shown in FIG. 12 , similar to the display device 10b of the input / output device 10 used by the passenger.

[0069] After the process of step ST03, the occupant support device 200 determines whether new request restriction information has been acquired (step ST24). If new request restriction information has been acquired (YES in step ST24), the occupant support device 200 performs the process of step ST29 to update the request acceptance information indicating requests that are currently being accepted, and then performs the process of step ST21. At this time, the occupant support device 200 displays, for example, request location selection buttons corresponding to the location information, as shown in FIG. 5. Furthermore, if the passenger selects the request acceptance button A1c in this state, the occupant support device 200 displays, on the display device 10b, an image including a request list image indicating requests for which acceptance of requests is not restricted.

[0070] 18 is a diagram showing a boarding / alighting video that the occupant assistance device 200 displays on the display device 10b of the input / output device 10 other than the display device 10b used by the passenger who made the request, the in-cabin display device 20, and the display device 40b of the input / output device 40. Based on the acquired position information or a signal from a sensor that detects the opening and closing of a boarding / alighting door (not shown), the occupant assistance device 200 displays the boarding / alighting video shown in FIG. 18 on the display device 10b of the input / output device 10 other than the display device 10b used by the passenger who made the request, the in-cabin display device 20, and the display device 40b of the input / output device 40 while the passenger is boarding or alighting. For example, the boarding / alighting video is video that includes a character string indicating that the vehicle has arrived at a bus stop, a character string indicating the bus stop where the vehicle has arrived, a video indicating the content of the passenger's request being made while boarding or alighting, a video indicating that the passenger is boarding or alighting, etc. By having the occupant assistance device 200 display the boarding and disembarking video on the display device 10b, even if boarding and disembarking takes longer than usual due to a passenger request, other occupants can recognize the reason why boarding and disembarking is taking so long, thereby improving the predictability of operations for other occupants and the operations manager and reducing the psychological burden on occupants and the operations manager.

[0071] 19 is a diagram showing a request completion confirmation video that the occupant assistance device 200 causes to be displayed on the display device 10b of the input / output device 10 used by the passenger who made the request. Based on the acquired position information or a signal from a sensor that detects the opening and closing of a boarding / alighting door (not shown), the occupant assistance device 200 causes the display device 10b of the input / output device 10 used by the passenger who made the request to display the request completion confirmation video shown in FIG. 19 while the passenger is getting on or off the train, the request completion confirmation video includes, for example, a selection request video A1f showing the request selected by the passenger, a completion confirmation video A1k showing the location corresponding to the request and a character string for confirming that the request has been completed, a yes button A1h1, and a no button A1h2.

[0072] 19 is displayed, the occupant support device 200 acquires request end information indicating that the request has been ended by the passenger who made the request. Note that the selection of the affirmative button A1h1 by the passenger who made the request may be performed after the passenger gets off the vehicle.

[0073] If new request restriction information has not been acquired in the process of step ST24 (NO in step ST24), the occupant assistance device 200 determines whether new request termination information has been acquired (step ST25). If new request termination information has been acquired in this process (YES in step ST25), the occupant assistance device 200 performs the process of step ST29 to update the request acceptance information indicating requests that are currently being accepted, and then performs the process of step ST21. At this time, the occupant assistance device 200 updates the request acceptance information, for example, by deleting information indicating requests that have been terminated from the information indicating requests included in the request acceptance information. As a result, the image indicating the terminated requests is no longer displayed on the display device 10b.

[0074] If new location information is acquired in the process of step ST28 (YES in step ST28), the passenger assistance device 200 performs the process of step ST29 to update the location information indicating the location on the vehicle's travel route, and then performs the process of step ST21. At this time, the passenger assistance device 200 updates the contents of the requested location selection buttons, including the first stop button A1a indicating the next stop to be displayed on the display device 10b, and the second stop button A1b indicating stops after the next stop, based on the acquired new location information.

[0075] If request information indicating a new request from a passenger is acquired in the processing of step ST02 (YES in step ST02), or if new request acceptance information for a currently accepted request is acquired in the processing of step ST03 (YES in step ST03), the process goes to step ST29 to update the request acceptance information indicating the currently accepted request, and then goes to step ST21. The processing performed by the occupant assistance device 200 at this time is the same as the processing performed by the occupant assistance device 100 according to embodiment 1 when request information indicating a new request from a passenger is acquired in the processing of step ST02 (YES in step ST02) and when new request acceptance information for a currently accepted request is acquired in the processing of step ST03 (YES in step ST03), and therefore will not be described again.

[0076] As described above, the occupant assistance device 200 according to the second embodiment includes the request restriction information acquisition unit 203 that acquires request restriction information that restricts passenger requests, and the display control unit 207 is configured to determine not to notify the passenger of a request when the passenger's request is restricted based on the request restriction information acquired by the request restriction information acquisition unit 203. With this configuration, the occupant assistance device 200 suppresses the acceptance of a request that is unlikely to be accepted, and also suppresses an unacceptable delay in the operation of the vehicle that would occur if the request were accepted.

[0077] 20 to 22, an occupant support system 3 according to a third embodiment will be described. The occupant support system 3 according to the third embodiment differs from the occupant support system 2 according to the second embodiment in that the configuration of the occupant support device is partially different, but the other configuration is the same as that of the second embodiment. Therefore, the same components as those of the second embodiment are given the same names and symbols as those of the second embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0078] First, a schematic configuration of an occupant assistance system 3 according to embodiment 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 20. Fig. 20 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the occupant assistance system 3 according to embodiment 3. As shown in Fig. 20, the occupant assistance system 3 according to embodiment 3 includes an occupant assistance device 300, a plurality of input / output devices 11, 12, ..., 1N corresponding to a plurality of occupants respectively boarding a vehicle, an in-cabin display device 20 installed in a passenger compartment of the vehicle, and an input / output device 40 used by an operation manager of the vehicle, which are electrically connected to each other so as to be able to communicate information with each other.

[0079] The occupant assistance device 300 includes a request information acquisition unit 101, a request acceptance information acquisition unit 102, a request restriction information acquisition unit 203, a request termination information acquisition unit 204, a reward information generation unit 305, a position information acquisition unit 206, and a display control unit 207. When a passenger's request is fulfilled by another passenger, the reward information generation unit 305 generates information for granting a specific reward to the other passenger. For example, based on the request termination information obtained by the request termination information acquisition unit 204, the reward information generation unit 305 generates reward information for granting a reward to the other passenger who fulfilled the passenger's request.

[0080] Specifically, the reward information generation unit 305 generates reward information for granting a specific reward to a passenger when another passenger executes a passenger's request, such as information indicating a reward for a local currency, electronic currency that can be used as a vehicle usage fee, a specific application currency, the right to use a specific function in a specific application, a specific copyrighted work, etc., to be granted to the other passenger, the URL of a site the passenger accesses to receive these rewards, and a password for accessing the site where the passenger receives these rewards. Note that the reward information generation unit 305 may be configured to change the reward granted to the passenger depending on the content of the request executed by the passenger, the number of requests executed, the frequency of the requests executed, etc. The hardware configuration of the occupant assistance device 300 is similar to the hardware configuration of the occupant assistance device 100, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0081] Next, processing performed by the occupant support device 300 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 20 to 22. Figure 21 is a flowchart showing processing performed by the occupant support device 300 for supporting passengers of a vehicle such as a passenger bus, as an example of processing performed by the occupant support device 300. Note that the processing of steps ST21, ST02, ST03, ST24, ST25, ST28, and ST29 performed by the occupant support device 300 according to the third embodiment is similar to the processing of steps ST21, ST02, ST03, ST24, ST25, ST28, and ST29 performed by the occupant support device 200 according to the second embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0082] 21 , if the crew support device 300 acquires new request completion information in the process of step ST25 (YES in step ST25), it generates reward information (step ST36). In this process, the crew support device 300 generates information for providing a reward to another passenger who fulfilled the passenger's request using the reward information generation unit 305. After performing the process of step ST36, the crew support device 300 displays an image corresponding to the reward information on the display device 10b of the input / output device 10 used by the other passenger who fulfilled the passenger's request (step ST37).

[0083] 22 is a diagram showing a reward information image A2m corresponding to reward information that the occupant assistance device 300 displays on the display device 10b of the input / output device 10 used by another passenger who has executed the passenger's request. For example, the reward information image A2m shown in FIG. 22 is a user interface for accessing a site for awarding a reward to the passenger. When the passenger selects and operates the reward information image A2m, the site for awarding a reward to the passenger becomes accessible via a communication network such as the Internet. Furthermore, for example, the reward information image A2m shown in FIG. 22 is an image showing the content of the reward awarded to the passenger or the fact that the passenger has been awarded a reward. The occupant assistance device 300 may be configured to award the passenger a reward as information by providing the input / output device 10 with the reward when the reward information image A2m is displayed on the display device 10b of the input / output device 10.

[0084] The reward information video that the information support device displays on the display device 10b may be the video itself, or for example, the reward information video that the information support device displays on the display device 10b may be a copyrighted work such as a background image that can be used on a terminal device. Furthermore, the information support device may be configured to display a specific advertising video on the display device 10b before or at the same time as the reward information video is displayed on the display device 10b.

[0085] As described above, the occupant assistance device 300 according to the third embodiment includes a reward information generation unit that generates information for providing a reward to a passenger who fulfills a passenger's request when the passenger fulfills the passenger's request. The occupant assistance device 300 is configured in this manner to encourage passengers other than the crew to fulfill the passenger's request, making it easier for passengers to fulfill requests, thereby reducing the psychological burden on passengers using the vehicle and the workload on the crew.

[0086] In addition, the present disclosure allows for free combination of the respective embodiments, modification of any of the components of the respective embodiments, or omission of any of the components of the respective embodiments.

[0087] The occupant assistance device according to the present disclosure can be used in a system that supports passengers in using a vehicle by, for example, notifying them of their requests.

[0088] 1 Crew assistance system, 1N input / output device, 1Na input device, 1Nb display device, 2 Crew assistance system, 3 Crew assistance system, 10 input / output device, 10a input device, 10b display device, 11 input / output device, 11a input device, 11b display device, 12 input / output device, 12a input device, 12b display device, 20 in-cabin display device, 40 input / output device, 40a input device, 40b display device, 100 Crew assistance device, 101 request information acquisition unit, 102 request acceptance information acquisition unit, 107 display control unit, 200 Crew assistance device, 203 request restriction information acquisition unit, 204 request termination information acquisition unit, 206 position information acquisition unit, 207 display control unit, 300 Crew assistance device, 305 reward information generation unit, A1 display area, A1a first stop button, A1b second stop button, A1c Request acceptance button, A1d request selection guide video, A1e request list video, A1e1 request type button, A1e2 request type button, A1e3 request type button, A1e4 request type button, A1f selection request video, A1g request confirmation video, A1h1 affirmative button, A1h2 negative button, A1j1 acceptance request video, A1j2 acceptance request acceptance video, A1j3 acceptance request video, A1k completion confirmation video, A2 display area, A2f acceptance request video, A2g1 request acceptance request video, A2g2 request execution request video, A2h request confirmation button, A2j1 acceptance request video, A2m reward information video, A3 display area, A3j1 acceptance request video, A3j2 acceptance request video.

Claims

1. An occupant assistance device comprising: a request information acquisition unit that acquires request information indicating requests of passengers of a vehicle regarding the use of the vehicle; and a request notification unit that notifies the passengers of the requests.

2. The passenger assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the passenger request is a request associated with getting on or off the vehicle.

3. The occupant assistance device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the request notification unit displays an image on a display device used by the passenger of the vehicle, indicating a request that the passenger can select from a plurality of pre-set requests, and the request information acquisition unit acquires the request information by acquiring information indicating that the passenger has selected one of the selectable requests.

4. An occupant assistance device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the request notification unit notifies the passenger of the request by displaying an image related to the request information on a display device used by a person related to the vehicle.

5. An occupant assistance device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the request notification unit notifies the passenger of the request by displaying an image related to the request information on a display device used by a crew member other than the passenger of the vehicle.

6. An occupant assistance device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the request notification unit notifies the passenger of the request by displaying an image related to the request information on a display device used by the vehicle's operations manager.

7. A passenger assistance device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises: a request acceptance information acquisition unit that acquires request acceptance information indicating that a specific crew member other than the passenger accepts the passenger's request; and an acceptance notification unit that notifies the passenger that the specific crew member has accepted the passenger's request.

8. The crew support device according to claim 7, wherein the acceptance notification unit notifies crew members other than the passenger that the specific crew member has accepted the passenger's request.

9. A passenger assistance device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a reward information generation unit that generates information for granting a reward to a passenger who executes the passenger's request when the passenger's request is executed by a passenger other than the passenger.

10. An occupant assistance device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the request information is information indicating whether the passenger's request is a first request or a second request that has been set in advance and that has been selected by the passenger.

11. An occupant assistance device according to claim 10, wherein one of the first request and the second request is a request for assistance when the passenger gets on or off the vehicle.

12. The passenger assistance device according to claim 10, wherein one of the first request and the second request is a request regarding a stopping position of the vehicle for the passenger to board and disembark.

13. An occupant support device according to claim 10, wherein one of the first request and the second request is a request regarding the transportation of luggage when the passenger gets on or off the vehicle.

14. A passenger assistance device as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it is provided with a request restriction information acquisition unit that acquires request restriction information that restricts the passenger's request, and the request notification unit decides not to notify the passenger's request if the passenger's request is restricted based on the request restriction information acquired by the request restriction information acquisition unit.

15. A passenger assistance program for causing a computer to function as a request information acquisition unit that acquires request information indicating requests from passengers of a vehicle regarding the use of the vehicle, and a request notification unit that notifies the passengers of the requests.

16. An occupant assistance method performed by a device having a request information acquisition unit and a request notification unit, the method comprising the steps of: the request information acquisition unit acquiring request information indicating requests from passengers of a vehicle regarding the use of the vehicle; and the request notification unit notifying the passengers of the requests.

Images