Information processing device, system, information processing method, and program
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/JP2025/005384
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-27
Smart Images
Figure JP2025005384_27082026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Information Processing Apparatus, System, Information Processing Method, and Program
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, a system, an information processing method, and a program.
[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system for dispatching an emergency vehicle equipped with facilities according to the content of an emergency report to the reporting site. The system described in Patent Document 1 includes a traveling unit, a plurality of types of main body units that are combined with the traveling unit to form an emergency vehicle and each have different facilities, and an information processing apparatus that manages the traveling unit and the plurality of types of main body units. The information processing apparatus selects a main body unit equipped with facilities according to the content of an emergency report to a fire department, and dispatches an emergency vehicle in which the main body unit and the traveling unit are combined.
[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-82151
[0004] When an emergency vehicle is caught in traffic congestion, there is a significant problem that detours are difficult, delays occur, and emergency response is delayed. Although personnel for emergency response can be dispatched by motorcycle or helicopter, etc., it is difficult to quickly arrange an emergency vehicle having functions such as fire fighting and emergency medical services.
[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program capable of quickly arranging an emergency vehicle in view of the above-described problems.
[0006] The information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure includes trouble information collection means for collecting information regarding trouble, vehicle information collection means for collecting information regarding a plurality of vehicles existing within a predetermined range from the location where the trouble occurs, estimation means for estimating functions necessary for dealing with the trouble based on the information regarding the trouble, shift formation means for selecting appropriate vehicles that satisfy the estimated functions from the plurality of vehicles based on the information regarding the vehicles and forming a shift, and transmission means for transmitting an instruction to the appropriate vehicles included in the formed shift to head toward the location where the trouble occurs.
[0007] The information processing method relating to this disclosure involves a computer performing the following steps: collecting information about a trouble; collecting information about a plurality of vehicles located within a predetermined range from the location where the trouble occurred; estimating the functions necessary to deal with the trouble based on the information about the trouble; selecting appropriate vehicles from the plurality of vehicles that satisfy the estimated functions and forming a team based on the information about the vehicles; and sending instructions to the appropriate vehicles included in the formed team to proceed to the location where the trouble occurred.
[0008] The program relating to this disclosure causes a computer to perform the following processes: collecting information about a trouble; collecting information about multiple vehicles located within a predetermined range from the location where the trouble occurred; estimating the functions necessary to deal with the trouble based on the information about the trouble; selecting appropriate vehicles from the multiple vehicles that satisfy the estimated functions and forming a team based on the information about the vehicles; and sending instructions to the appropriate vehicles included in the formed team to proceed to the location where the trouble occurred.
[0009] This disclosure will enable the rapid dispatch of emergency vehicles.
[0010] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the information processing device related to this disclosure. This is a flowchart of an example of the information processing method related to this disclosure. This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing system related to this disclosure. This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing system related to this disclosure. This figure shows an example of the functions of a vehicle and the role that these functions play. This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of the vehicle in Figure 4. This figure shows the configuration of the server in Figure 4. This is a table summarizing the necessity of each function for each type of trouble. This figure shows the flow of the information processing method related to this disclosure.
[0011] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted where necessary for clarity.
[0012] Generally, traffic congestion is common in urban areas, but it is difficult to plan and develop new roads to alleviate it. Even if road plans are made and developed to facilitate the passage of emergency vehicles, the reality is that emergency vehicles can still be hindered by on-street parking, personal belongings encroaching on public roads, and railway crossings.
[0013] Normally, when emergency vehicles are on an emergency run, they sound their sirens to alert drivers of surrounding vehicles. When drivers of surrounding vehicles notice the sirens, they themselves maneuver their vehicles to clear the lane for the emergency vehicle. In addition, some vehicles are equipped with a function that advises drivers to give priority to emergency vehicles on an emergency run. Thus, the cooperation of surrounding vehicles is essential for emergency vehicles to operate on an emergency run.
[0014] For example, in a fire department's command system, location information of the incident is immediately acquired upon receiving an emergency call, and dispatch orders for personnel and emergency vehicles are automatically issued according to the content of the emergency call. In some areas, fixed cameras are used to monitor incidents occurring within a designated area, and fire engines and other equipment are shared with nearby fire stations depending on the situation.
[0015] However, if emergency vehicles get caught in traffic jams at railway crossings or other locations, they may be unable to detour, causing delays in their arrival. Even if personnel can be quickly dispatched to the scene of the trouble by motorcycle or other means, if the arrival of emergency vehicles with the necessary functions is delayed, it may be impossible to take measures to resolve the trouble. Therefore, this disclosure provides a mechanism for quickly dispatching emergency vehicles to the scene of trouble in the event of a fire, accident, or other incident.
[0016] Embodiment 1 Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example configuration of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. The information processing device 1 can communicate with external devices in various ways via a network. The communication line is not limited to the Internet, and may be a combination of the Internet and other communication lines, or a communication line other than the Internet. As a communication method, wireless communication such as 4G (Generation), 5G, Local 5G, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), LTE (Long Term Evolution), or wired communication may be used. However, the communication method is not limited to these examples.
[0017] As shown in Figure 1, the information processing device 1 includes a trouble information collection unit 2, a vehicle information collection unit 3, an estimation unit 4, a team organization unit 5, and a transmission unit 6. The trouble information collection unit 2 collects information related to troubles (hereinafter also referred to as trouble information). Here, "trouble" includes multiple "types," such as various accidents like traffic accidents and railway accidents, various injuries like sudden illnesses and injuries, various disasters like earthquakes, fires, landslides and tsunamis, and various incidents like robbery and assault. Trouble information includes, for example, the type of trouble, the location where it occurred, the time it occurred, the scale of the trouble, the condition of those requiring rescue, and the number of those requiring rescue. Here, the scale of the trouble and the condition and number of those requiring rescue are also referred to as the "amount" of the trouble. The condition of those requiring rescue may indicate whether they are conscious or not, or the extent of their injuries.
[0018] The information processing device 1 can be connected via a communication line to a notification device located in the vicinity of the location where a problem occurred. For example, in the event of a traffic accident, the trouble information collection unit 2 can acquire trouble information from notification devices mounted on vehicles traveling around the accident vehicle. The trouble information collection unit 2 can also acquire trouble information from a notification device installed on the side of the road where the traffic accident occurred.
[0019] The vehicle information collection unit 3 collects information (hereinafter also referred to as vehicle information) about multiple vehicles located within a predetermined range from the location where the trouble occurred. The "location of the trouble" may be the place where the trouble occurred as described above, or any other location where assistance is needed in relation to the trouble. The location of the trouble may be outdoors, such as in a residential area or a business district, or indoors, such as inside a building.
[0020] A vehicle may have one or more functions to deal with troubles. A vehicle could be a passenger transport vehicle such as a bus or taxi, and have one or more functions to deal with troubles. Alternatively, a vehicle may have functions specific to its purpose, such as an ambulance or fire truck.
[0021] Vehicle information includes details about the vehicle's functions for dealing with problems, whether it has autonomous driving capabilities, whether it has passengers, and the purpose of its operation. Vehicle functions include multiple functions as an emergency vehicle, such as those of an ambulance or a fire truck. It should be noted that there are several types of emergency vehicles, such as ambulances and fire trucks, depending on their purpose, and each type of emergency vehicle possesses a wide range of functions.
[0022] The estimation unit 4 estimates the functions necessary to deal with a problem based on the trouble information. For example, if a fire occurs, a firefighting function is required as a function to deal with the problem. Also, if there are people who need rescue in the fire, a rescue function is required as a function to deal with the problem. Therefore, one or more functions may be required to deal with a single problem.
[0023] The team formation unit 5 selects appropriate vehicles from among multiple vehicles based on vehicle information to form a team that meets the estimated functions. If the estimation unit 4 estimates that multiple functions are required, the team formation unit 5 may select one vehicle that has all of these functions as the appropriate vehicle, or it may select multiple vehicles that have any one of these functions as the appropriate vehicles. All of the estimated functions can be met by the one or more vehicles formed by the team formation unit 5. The selected appropriate vehicles form a team for troubleshooting.
[0024] The transmission unit 6 sends instructions (hereinafter also referred to as dispatch instructions) to the appropriate vehicles included in the assembled team to proceed to the location of the trouble. The appropriate vehicles forming the team can then rush to the location of the trouble according to the content of the instructions.
[0025] Next, the processing performed by the information processing device 1 will be described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a flowchart of an example of the information processing method according to this disclosure. First, the information processing device 1 collects trouble information (step S10). Then, the information processing device 1 collects vehicle information of multiple vehicles located within a predetermined range from the location where the trouble occurred (step S11). Based on the trouble information, the information processing device 1 estimates the functions necessary to deal with the trouble (step S12).
[0026] Then, based on the vehicle information, the information processing device 1 selects suitable vehicles from among multiple vehicles that meet the estimated functions and forms a team (step S13). Subsequently, the information processing device 1 sends a dispatch order to the suitable vehicles included in the formed team to proceed to the location where the trouble occurred (step S14).
[0027] Thus, according to this disclosure, a team with the necessary functions to deal with the trouble can be formed from vehicles located close to the location where the trouble occurred. Since the vehicles included in the team can start emergency driving from a location close to the location where the trouble occurred, it is possible to shorten the time it takes to reach the location of the trouble.
[0028] The information processing device 1 comprises a processor, memory, and storage device (not shown in the diagram). The storage device stores a program that causes a computer to execute each of the processes of the information processing method according to this disclosure. The processor loads the program from the storage device into memory and executes the program. As a result, the processor realizes the functions of the trouble information collection unit 2, the vehicle information collection unit 3, the estimation unit 4, the team organization unit 5, and the transmission unit 6.
[0029] Each component of the information processing device 1 may be implemented with dedicated hardware. Furthermore, some or all of the components of each device may be implemented by general-purpose or dedicated circuits, processors, etc., or combinations thereof. These may be configured as a single chip or as multiple chips connected via a bus. Some or all of the components of each device may be implemented by a combination of the aforementioned circuits, etc., and programs. Additionally, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), quantum processor (quantum computer control chip), etc., may be used as the processor.
[0030] Furthermore, if some or all of the components of the information processing device 1 are realized by multiple devices or circuits, these multiple devices or circuits may be centrally located or distributed. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the information processing system 101 according to this disclosure. As shown in Figure 3, the information processing system 101 includes a trouble information collection unit 102, a vehicle information collection unit 103, an estimation unit 104, a team organization unit 105, and a transmission unit 106. The detailed operation of each component of the information processing system 101 corresponds to the operation of each component of the information processing device 1, as described above. The devices and circuits that realize each component of Figure 3 may be realized in a form in which each is connected via a communication network, such as a client-server system or a cloud computing system. In addition, the functions of the information processing device 1 may be provided in SaaS (Software as a Service) format.
[0031] Embodiment 2 Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an information processing system 100 according to the present disclosure. The information processing system 100 includes a server 10, a plurality of vehicles 20, a notification device 30, and a command system 40. The server 10, vehicles 20, notification device 30, and command system 40 are each connected via a network N. Here, the network N is a wired or wireless communication line, for example, the Internet.
[0032] When a problem occurs, the caller makes an emergency call to a designated agency. These agencies are, for example, fire departments, ambulance services, and police departments. When the caller makes an emergency call, it is received by the command system 40 in the command center of the designated agency. In the command center, operators communicate with the caller via the command system and request the dispatch of emergency vehicles. The information processing system 100 in this disclosure performs various processes after the emergency call is received by the command system 40.
[0033] <Command System 40> The command system 40 receives emergency calls from callers at the location where the trouble occurred. Based on the emergency call, the command system 40 can acquire location information of the trouble location and transmit it to the server 10.
[0034] The command system 40 may obtain location information by analyzing the audio data of the emergency call to identify the content of the emergency call. The method of analyzing the audio data of the emergency call is not limited to a specific method. For example, an audio analysis engine or artificial intelligence may be used to analyze the audio data of the emergency call. Alternatively, the content of the call may be entered by an operator responding to the emergency call. Furthermore, the location information of the place where the trouble occurred may be the location information of the terminal used by the caller making the emergency call.
[0035] From the content of the emergency call, trouble information is identified, including, for example, the type of trouble, the scale of the trouble, the location, the time of occurrence, the condition of the person needing assistance, and the number of people needing assistance. This trouble information is transmitted to server 10, which will be described later.
[0036] The command system 40 may accept emergency notifications via images of the location of the trouble, either in lieu of or in conjunction with voice emergency notifications. The command system 40 may, for example, have an image analysis engine that performs image analysis on the captured images. The method of image analysis by the command system 40 is not limited to a specific method. The command system 40 may identify information related to the trouble by analyzing the captured images transmitted from the notification device 30, which will be described later.
[0037] The command system 40 can calmly assess the situation of the trouble by receiving emergency calls not only through interviews with the caller but also by using images taken of the surrounding area where the trouble occurred.
[0038] For example, if an emergency call concerns a fire, and the fire is larger than described by the caller, a team can be formed with an additional 20 vehicles equipped with firefighting capabilities. Also, if the captured images show a person lying on the ground who requires medical attention, a 20 vehicle equipped with medical assistance capabilities can be added to the team. Furthermore, if the captured images show a gas transformer nearby, a 20 vehicle capable of dealing with a transformer malfunction can be added to the team.
[0039] Emergency calls are not limited to those made by the person who discovers the trouble; they may also be information indicating the situation of the trouble, transmitted from vehicles 20 near the location of the trouble, which have information gathering capabilities as described later, or from the reporting device 30, etc. For example, an emergency call may be a photograph transmitted from the reporting device 30. The command system 40 can also recognize the occurrence of trouble through image analysis and automatically accept emergency calls.
[0040] Alternatively, the server 10 may directly receive the emergency call and analyze the received emergency call to obtain trouble information, including location information of the trouble site.
[0041] <Vehicle 20> Vehicle 20 is a mobile entity capable of sending and receiving data with Server 10 via Network N. Here, we will describe an example where Vehicle 20 is a passenger transport vehicle such as a bus or taxi. Vehicle 20 has a normal driving mode and an emergency driving mode. In normal driving mode, Vehicle 20 carries passengers to a predetermined destination. When dispatch orders are received in an emergency, Vehicle 20 enters emergency driving mode and can rush to the location of the trouble as the appropriate vehicle to deal with the problem.
[0042] The vehicle has one or more of various functions for dealing with troubles. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of the functions of the vehicle 20 and the roles played by those functions. As shown in FIG. 5, examples of the functions for dealing with troubles include "rescue", "fire extinguishing", "communication", "collection", "recording", "transportation", "guidance", and "support". The equipment provided in the vehicle 20 for realizing these functions is handled by implementers such as qualified persons or trained persons, thereby playing a predetermined role.
[0043] The rescue function is, for example, used by emergency medical technicians and plays a role in performing first aid on the person requiring first aid. The equipment provided in the vehicle for realizing the rescue function can be, for example, medical devices and sanitary devices that can perform medical treatment on the person requiring first aid, such as an AED (Automated External Defibrillator). When performing medical treatment, it is necessary for an implementer having qualifications and experience such as an emergency medical technician to ride in the vehicle having the rescue function.
[0044] The fire extinguishing function is used by firefighters and plays a role in performing fire extinguishing activities. The equipment provided in the vehicle for realizing the fire extinguishing function can be, for example, a hose and a nozzle for water discharge, or a fire extinguisher, etc. When performing fire extinguishing activities, an implementer having qualifications and experience such as a firefighter may ride in the vehicle having the fire extinguishing function.
[0045] The communication function provides communication support at the location where the trouble occurs. Examples of the equipment provided in the vehicle for realizing the communication function include relay equipment. Relaying means transferring the received data from one party to another, with or without processing. The collection function includes collecting various information related to the trouble, including taking videos and still images, and collecting information about the person requiring first aid such as body temperature and oxygen concentration. Examples of the equipment provided in the vehicle for realizing the collection function include a camera and a sensor, etc. The recording function stores the various collected information. Examples of the equipment provided in the vehicle for realizing the recording function include a large-capacity storage device.
[0046] The transportation function transports the person in need of emergency medical treatment to an appropriate facility. Equipment installed in the vehicle to realize the transportation function includes a stretcher on which a care recipient can lie horizontally, a fixture for fixing the stretcher to the vehicle, and the like. The guidance function guides the arrangement and movement of the appropriate vehicle for each shift. Equipment installed in the vehicle to realize the guidance function includes, for example, a guidance lamp.
[0047] The support function supports, for example, the transportation of passengers who were in an appropriate vehicle. When a passenger transport vehicle such as a bus or taxi having the various functions described above is selected as the appropriate vehicle, it is necessary to transport the passengers to the destination instead of the passenger transport vehicle. Therefore, the vehicle 20 that realizes the support function is required to be able to head to the destination of the passengers.
[0048] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the vehicle 20 in FIG. 4. In addition to the equipment that realizes the above functions, the vehicle 20 further includes a storage unit 21, a memory 22, a communication unit 23, an input / output unit 24, a positioning unit 25, and a control unit 26. The storage unit 21 is an example of a storage device including a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 21 stores a program in which processes including the vehicle information of the own vehicle, processes for transmitting and receiving various information, and processes for notifying the activation instruction transmitted from the server 10 are implemented.
[0049] The vehicle information includes information related to the functions for dealing with the above-described troubles, the presence or absence of the autonomous driving function, the presence or absence of passengers, information related to the driving purpose, and the like. When the functions of the vehicle 20 cannot be used due to maintenance, failure, or the like, the vehicle information stored in the storage unit 21 is updated to the latest information at any time.
[0050] Memory 22 is a volatile storage device such as RAM (Random Access Memory), and is a storage area for temporarily holding information when the control unit 26 is operating. The communication unit 23 is a communication interface with the network N. The communication unit 23 communicates with the server 10. The communication unit 23 may also establish a short-range wireless communication connection and perform communication. Here, various standards such as Bluetooth®, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), and UWB (Ultra-Wide Band) can be applied to the short-range wireless communication. The vehicle 20 transmits vehicle information to the server 10 via the communication unit 23.
[0051] The input / output unit 24 may include a display device such as a screen and an input device, such as a touch panel. The input / output unit 24 may also be equipped with a speaker, microphone, etc. The input / output unit 24 displays, for example, location information of the trouble site and arrangement information of multiple vehicles 20 included in the group at the trouble site. The positioning unit identifies the location information of the vehicle 20 based on signals received from GPS satellites. The vehicle 20 may transmit its own location information to the server 10 along with the vehicle information described above.
[0052] The control unit 26 is a processor that controls the hardware of the vehicle 20. The control unit 26 loads a program from the storage unit 21 into the memory 22 and executes it. In this way, the control unit 26 realizes the functions of the transmitting / receiving unit 261 and the notification unit 262.
[0053] The transmitting / receiving unit 261 performs the process of transmitting vehicle information and location information to the server 10. The transmitting / receiving unit 261 also performs the process of receiving various data from the server 10. The data that vehicle 20 receives from the server 10 may be a dispatch instruction to head to the location of the trouble if the vehicle is assigned to a team as described later.
[0054] The notification unit 262 can notify the driver of vehicle 20 of a dispatch order by displaying an image on the input / output unit 24 or outputting sound based on the received data. Upon confirming the dispatch order, the driver can drive vehicle 20 to the location of the trouble. If vehicle 20 is an autonomous vehicle, the data received by vehicle 20 may be data for automatic driving to the location of the trouble. The control unit 26 can receive a dispatch order from server 10 and drive vehicle 20 to the location of the trouble. For example, the control unit 26 can create a driving plan to the location of the trouble and drive according to the driving plan.
[0055] When the autonomous driving vehicle 20 receives a dispatch order, it automatically switches from normal driving mode to emergency driving mode. Emergency driving mode is a mode in which emergency driving is permitted, allowing the vehicle to prioritize driving on the road. For example, in emergency driving mode, vehicle 20 is exempt from the obligation to stop at traffic lights, etc. That is, vehicle 20 in emergency driving mode can continue driving even at a red light. In addition, in emergency driving mode, vehicle 20 is permitted to enter the oncoming lane or to drive while straddling two lanes. This allows vehicle 20 to reach the location of the trouble quickly.
[0056] Furthermore, it is preferable that the vehicle 20 in emergency driving mode be equipped with a notification unit (not shown) that notifies the surroundings that it is in emergency driving mode. The notification unit may be a warning device such as a siren, warning lamps, or a digital message board. By issuing an alert to the surroundings, the vehicle 20 makes the surroundings aware that the vehicle 20 is in emergency driving mode, enabling the vehicle 20 to drive safely.
[0057] Furthermore, it is preferable that the vehicle 20 is further equipped with a communication unit (not shown) that enables real-time two-way communication with personnel involved in the trouble. Personnel involved in the trouble may include, for example, the person who made the emergency call or was involved in the trouble, or the operator in the control room who manages the response to the trouble, etc. This allows the vehicle 20 to grasp the situation of the trouble in real time through audio and video. This real-time information sharing between the vehicle 20 and the scene makes it possible to grasp the situation at the scene quickly and accurately and to take advanced action.
[0058] <Notification Device 30> The notification device 30 is a device that makes an emergency notification when a problem occurs. The notification device 30 may be, for example, an imaging device installed on the side of a road that photographs an intersection where traffic accidents frequently occur. In addition, a vehicle 20 that is within a predetermined range from the location of the problem can be the appropriate vehicle to deal with the problem as described above, and can also function as a notification device that collects problem information. For example, as a notification device, the vehicle 20 can transmit data obtained from each of the above-described functional configurations to the server 10. For example, the vehicle 20 can transmit to the server 10 images taken by a camera, various information about persons in need of assistance acquired by sensors, etc.
[0059] <Server 10> Server 10 is an information processing device having information gathering, estimation, team formation, and transmission functions. Server 10 is located, for example, in a control room that manages responses to troubles. The information gathering function is a function that collects and manages various types of information, including trouble information and vehicle information. The estimation function is a function that estimates the functions necessary to deal with a trouble based on the trouble information. The team formation function is a function that selects appropriate vehicles that meet the estimated functions and forms a team based on the vehicle information. The transmission function is a function that sends instructions to the appropriate vehicles included in the formed team to proceed to the location where the trouble occurred. Note that Server 10 may consist of multiple servers, and each functional block may be implemented by multiple computers.
[0060] Figure 7 shows the configuration of the server 10 in Figure 4. The server 10 includes a storage unit 11, memory 12, communication unit 13, and processing unit 14. The storage unit 11 is an example of a storage device such as a hard disk or flash memory. The storage unit 11 stores the program 111 and the information DB 112. The program 111 is a computer program that implements some functions such as information gathering, estimation, team organization, and transmission.
[0061] Information DB 112 is a database that acquires and manages collected trouble information and vehicle information. Information DB 112 manages vehicle information for each vehicle.
[0062] Memory 12 is a volatile storage device such as RAM, and is a storage area for temporarily holding information when the processing unit 14 is operating. Communication unit 13 is a communication interface with network N. Processing unit 14 is a processor that controls each component of server 10. Processing unit 14 loads program 111 from storage unit 11 into memory 12 and executes program 111. As a result, processing unit 14 executes the processes of trouble information collection unit 141, vehicle information collection unit 142, estimation unit 143, team organization unit 144, and transmission unit 145.
[0063] The trouble information collection unit 141 collects trouble information from the command system 40. As described above, the trouble information collection unit 141 may also collect trouble information from emergency notifications directly received by the server 10.
[0064] The vehicle information collection unit 142 collects information on multiple vehicles located within a predetermined range from the location of the trouble. The vehicle information collection unit 142 identifies multiple vehicles located within a predetermined range from the location of the trouble using the location information of the trouble location and the location information of the vehicles 20. In addition, the vehicle information collection unit 142 can monitor the latest vehicle information of each vehicle 20 in real time and provide the necessary information to the team organization unit 144. In this way, by accurately grasping the vehicle information of each vehicle 20, the appropriate vehicle 20 can be selected quickly, and the efficiency of trouble response can be improved.
[0065] Furthermore, if it is possible to pre-set the route for buses or other vehicles, it is preferable to avoid concentrating some of the vehicles 20 with specific functions in one location. This increases the probability that a vehicle 20 with the necessary functions will be located near the location of the trouble when forming teams as described below.
[0066] The estimation unit 143 can estimate the functions necessary to deal with a problem based on the problem information. Specifically, the estimation unit 143 can determine the urgency of a problem based on the type of problem and the "quantity" of the problem, such as the scale of the problem and the condition and number of people who need rescue. Based on the quantity of the problem, the estimation unit 143 can estimate the type and quantity of functions necessary to deal with the problem, and the number of vehicles that will satisfy that type and quantity.
[0067] The estimation unit 143 may, for example, classify the types of functions necessary to deal with a problem into essential functions and optional functions. Figure 8 is a table summarizing the necessity of each function for each type of problem. Essential functions are functions that must be possessed by at least one of the appropriate vehicles included in the team formed by the team formation unit 144, which will be described later. On the other hand, optional functions are functions that are preferable to be possessed by any of the appropriate vehicles included in the team formed by the team formation unit 144, which will be described later, but are not required to be possessed.
[0068] In Figure 8, "◎" indicates an essential function. Vehicles 20 possessing an essential function will be included in the team even if their distance from the trouble location is greater than a predetermined distance. "○" indicates a function that may be essential depending on the circumstances of the trouble. Such vehicles 20 may be included in the team, for example, if their distance from the trouble location is within a predetermined distance. "△" indicates an optional function. Vehicles 20 possessing such functions may be included in the team based on factors such as the geographical location of the trouble.
[0069] The estimation unit 143 can use the table shown in Figure 8 to estimate the types and quantities of functions necessary to deal with a problem, as well as the number of vehicles required to meet those types and quantities. This allows for quick and accurate estimation even in emergencies, making it possible to dispatch the necessary vehicles 20 to the location of the problem without any surplus or shortage.
[0070] The team formation unit 144 selects appropriate vehicles that meet the estimated functions from among multiple vehicles within a predetermined range from the location of the trouble, based on vehicle information, and forms a team. In this way, it is possible to shorten the search time by searching for appropriate vehicles from vehicles 20 located close to the location of the trouble. For example, in the event of a fire, a taxi with firefighting capabilities and a bus with transport capabilities, both within a predetermined range from the fire site, may be selected as appropriate vehicles and formed into a single team. Note that existing emergency vehicles may also be included as appropriate vehicles in the team.
[0071] The team formation unit 144 may use road conditions (such as congestion levels and the presence of railroad crossings) and the speed during emergency driving to determine whether it would be faster for multiple vehicles 20 included in the team to go to the location of the trouble, or for one emergency vehicle to go to the location of the trouble. The team formation unit 144 may also form a team if it would allow them to arrive at the location of the trouble faster than if only one emergency vehicle were to go.
[0072] In this way, by forming a team with multiple vehicles 20, each having distributed functions necessary for dealing with problems, smaller vehicles 20 can perform functions in place of larger vehicles. Furthermore, for example, since vehicle 20 has some of the functions necessary for dealing with problems, it is possible to share the responsibility of dealing with problems without significantly impairing the original purpose of transporting passengers, such as a bus.
[0073] The team formation unit 144 may use real-time vehicle information to select vehicles with autonomous driving capabilities that do not carry passengers as appropriate vehicles and form teams. By incorporating vehicles 20 with autonomous driving capabilities that do not carry passengers into a team, efficient emergency response becomes possible. In addition, if passenger transport vehicles such as buses and taxis, which are originally intended to transport passengers, are selected as appropriate vehicles, the team may include vehicles equipped with support functions for transporting passengers to their destinations.
[0074] The team formation unit 144 can form teams so that each team includes a number of vehicles estimated to meet the types and quantities of functions necessary to deal with the trouble. For example, in the event of a disaster involving a large number of people requiring rescue, multiple vehicles 20 with transport capabilities may be needed. In this case, the team formation unit 144 will form teams so that each team includes the number of vehicles 20 estimated by the estimation unit 143. Furthermore, if guidance of appropriate vehicles included in a team is necessary at the location of the trouble, the server 10 may include vehicles 20 with guidance capabilities in the team.
[0075] Furthermore, if there is an existing command system in place, such as in a fire department, or if there is a field commander at the location of the trouble who directs the response to the problem, the server 10 can also dispatch vehicles 20 with the necessary functions to the location of the trouble in response to requests from the command system or the field commander.
[0076] The transmitting unit 145 transmits dispatch instructions to the appropriate vehicles included in the assembled team, instructing them to head to the location of the trouble. Upon receiving the dispatch instructions, the vehicle 20 switches from normal driving mode to emergency driving mode and heads to the location of the trouble as quickly as possible to deal with the problem. At this time, the vehicle 20 can drive on the road with priority while notifying those around it that it is in emergency driving mode.
[0077] Furthermore, the estimation unit 143 can further estimate the number of personnel required to deal with the trouble. The transmission unit 145 can send instructions to facilities that can arrange personnel to dispatch the necessary personnel to the location where the trouble occurred. For example, the transmission unit 145 can request the command system 40 to dispatch the personnel necessary to deal with the trouble.
[0078] The command system 40, for example, requests the dispatch of necessary personnel from a designated agency that has jurisdiction over the location where the trouble occurred. For example, if a bus with rescue capabilities is selected as the appropriate vehicle, the command system 40 requests the dispatch of paramedics who can provide medical treatment to those in need to the location of the trouble. Personnel to deal with the trouble can be moved quickly using motorcycles, helicopters, flying cars, etc., regardless of road congestion. This makes it possible to secure personnel to respond to the trouble and move them quickly, enabling a rapid establishment of an emergency response system at the location of the trouble.
[0079] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the flow of the information processing method related to this disclosure. First, the server 10 acquires trouble information (step S101). Meanwhile, each of the multiple vehicles 20 transmits its own vehicle information along with location information to the server 10 (step S102). The server 10 uses the location information of the vehicles 20 to identify multiple vehicles located within a predetermined range from the location where the trouble occurred, and collects vehicle information for the identified vehicles 20 (step S103).
[0080] The server 10 then estimates the functions necessary to deal with the trouble based on the information about the trouble (step S104). Based on the vehicle information, the server 10 selects appropriate vehicles from among the multiple vehicles 20 that meet the estimated functions and forms a team (step S105). The server 10 then sends a dispatch order to the appropriate vehicles included in the formed team to proceed to the location where the trouble occurred (step S106). The server 10 can also send a request to the command system 40 to dispatch the necessary personnel to the location where the trouble occurred.
[0081] Upon receiving a dispatch order, vehicle 20 switches from normal driving mode to emergency driving mode and can rush to the location of the trouble (step S107). In emergency driving mode, vehicle 20 can prioritize driving on the road while notifying those around it that it is on an emergency run.
[0082] As explained above, this disclosure allows for the formation of a team of vehicles located near the location of the trouble, equipped with the necessary functions to deal with the trouble. Since the vehicles included in the team can begin emergency driving from a location close to the trouble location, it is possible to shorten the time it takes to reach the trouble location. This makes it possible to prevent delays in emergency response to trouble.
[0083] In other embodiments, the estimation unit 143 may determine whether it is necessary to collect additional information regarding the trouble. Here, the trouble information collected by the trouble information collection unit 141 is considered primary information. The estimation unit 143 determines that additional information is necessary if it is not possible to take appropriate action regarding the trouble with the primary information.
[0084] If the transmission means determines that it is necessary to collect additional information, it can send an instruction to an additional information collection device located within a predetermined range from the location of the trouble to collect additional information. The additional information collection device that collects additional information may be, for example, a drone or other mobile device that can be dispatched to the location of the trouble. The processing unit 14 may further include a control unit (not shown) that controls the additional information collection device.
[0085] If the additional information gathering device is a drone, the control unit can plan the drone's flight, fly the drone to the location of the trouble according to the flight plan, and collect additional information from above the trouble location. This allows for the collection of appropriate additional information to deal with the trouble, enabling a more accurate response. As a notification device, the notification device 30 installed on the side of the road as described above may be used, or a vehicle 20 with a collection function may be used.
[0086] Furthermore, the estimation unit 143 may prioritize the functions necessary to deal with the trouble. The team formation unit 144 can form teams so that vehicles 20 with high-priority functions are included in the teams. The memory unit 21 may store, for example, criteria for prioritizing the functions necessary to deal with each type of trouble. By using these criteria, it becomes possible to reliably include vehicles 20 with high-priority functions in the teams.
[0087] Furthermore, the priority of functions may be reflected in the timing of the arrival of the vehicle 20 possessing the relevant function at the location of the trouble. For example, among the multiple vehicles in the group, the vehicle 20 with the highest priority function may arrive at the location of the trouble first.
[0088] In this way, in situations where urgent action is required to address a problem, it becomes possible to quickly dispatch vehicle 20 equipped with particularly high-priority functions to the location of the problem. Since vehicle 20 equipped with essential functions plays a crucial role in addressing the problem, it becomes possible to respond to the problem efficiently and effectively.
[0089] In the examples described above, the program includes a set of instructions (or software code) that, when loaded into a computer, cause the computer to perform one or more of the functions described in the embodiments. The program may be stored on a non-temporary computer-readable medium or a physical storage medium. Examples, but not limited to, include RAM, read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, SSD or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray® disc or other optical disc storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices. The program may be transmitted over a temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium. Examples, but not limited to, include, a temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium that includes an electrical, optical, acoustic or other form of propagating signal.
[0090] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications to the structure and details of the present disclosure can be made as can be understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.
[0091] Each drawing is merely illustrative to illustrate one or more embodiments. Each drawing may be associated with one or more other embodiments, rather than being associated with only one specific embodiment. As those skilled in the art will understand, various features or steps described with reference to any one drawing can be combined with features or steps shown in one or more other drawings, for example, to create embodiments not explicitly shown or described. Not all features or steps shown in any one drawing to illustrate an exemplary embodiment are necessarily required, and some features or steps may be omitted. The order of steps described in any of the drawings may be changed as appropriate.
[0092] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following: (Note 1) An information processing device comprising: trouble information collection means for collecting information relating to a trouble; vehicle information collection means for collecting information relating to a plurality of vehicles located within a predetermined range from the location where the trouble occurred; estimation means for estimating the functions necessary to deal with the trouble based on the trouble information; team formation means for forming a team by selecting appropriate vehicles from the plurality of vehicles that satisfy the estimated functions based on the vehicle information; and transmission means for transmitting instructions to the appropriate vehicles included in the formed team to proceed to the location where the trouble occurred. (Note 2) The information processing device according to Note 1, wherein the vehicle information is at least one of the following: information relating to the functions of the plurality of vehicles, and information relating to the presence or absence of passengers. (Note 3) The information processing device according to Note 2, wherein the team formation means selects vehicles that do not carry passengers and have autonomous driving capabilities as appropriate vehicles to form the team. (Note 4) The estimation means prioritizes the functions necessary to deal with the trouble, and the team formation means forms teams such that vehicles with high-priority functions are included in the teams, as described in Note 1. (Note 5) The estimation means estimates the types and quantities of functions necessary to deal with the trouble, and the number of vehicles that satisfy the types and quantities, and the team formation means forms teams such that the number of vehicles estimated to satisfy the types and quantities of functions are included in the teams, as described in Note 1. (Note 6) The estimation means determines whether or not to collect additional information regarding the trouble, and the transmission means, if the collection of additional information is necessary, transmits an instruction to an additional information collection means located within a predetermined range from the location where the trouble occurred to collect the additional information, as described in Note 1. (Note 7) The information processing device according to Note 1, wherein the estimation means further estimates the number of personnel required to deal with the trouble, and the transmission means transmits instructions to facilities capable of arranging the personnel to dispatch the necessary personnel to the location where the trouble occurred.(Note 8) A system comprising: a plurality of vehicles having predetermined functions; and an information processing device described in any one of Notes 1 to 7. (Note 9) The system described in Note 8, wherein the vehicle that receives the instruction switches from normal driving mode to emergency driving mode. (Note 10) The system described in Note 8, wherein the vehicle that has switched to emergency driving mode is able to drive on the road with priority. (Note 11) The system described in Note 8, wherein the vehicle that has switched to emergency driving mode has notification means for notifying those around it that it is in emergency driving mode. (Note 12) The system described in Note 8, wherein the vehicle that has switched to emergency driving mode has communication means for enabling real-time two-way communication with personnel involved in the trouble. (Note 13) An information processing method in which a computer performs the following: a process of collecting information about a trouble; a process of collecting information about a plurality of vehicles located within a predetermined range from the location where the trouble occurred; a process of estimating the functions necessary to deal with the trouble based on the information about the trouble; a process of selecting appropriate vehicles from the plurality of vehicles that satisfy the estimated functions based on the information about the vehicles and forming a team; and a process of sending instructions to the appropriate vehicles included in the formed team to head to the location where the trouble occurred. (Note 14) A program that causes a computer to perform the following: a process of collecting information about a trouble; a process of collecting information about a plurality of vehicles located within a predetermined range from the location where the trouble occurred; a process of estimating the functions necessary to deal with the trouble based on the information about the trouble; a process of selecting appropriate vehicles from the plurality of vehicles that satisfy the estimated functions based on the information about the vehicles and forming a team; and a process of sending instructions to the appropriate vehicles included in the formed team to head to the location where the trouble occurred.
[0093] Some or all of the elements (e.g., configuration and function) described in Appendices 2 to 7 that are dependent on Appendice 1 (information processing device) may also be dependent on Appendices 13 (method) and 14 (program) in the same way as in Appendices 2 to 7. Similarly, some or all of the elements (e.g., configuration and function) described in Appendices 9 to 12 that are dependent on Appendice 8 (system) may also be dependent on Appendices 13 (method) and 14 (program) in the same way as in Appendices 9 to 12. Some or all of the elements described in any appendice may be applied to various hardware, software, recording means for recording software, systems, and methods.
[0094] 1 Information Processing Unit 2 Trouble Information Collection Unit 3 Vehicle Information Collection Unit 4 Estimation Unit 5 Team Organization Unit 6 Transmission Unit 10 Server 11 Storage Unit 111 Program 112 Information DB 12 Memory 13 Communication Unit 14 Processing Unit 141 Trouble Information Collection Unit 142 Vehicle Information Collection Unit 143 Estimation Unit 144 Team Organization Unit 145 Transmission Unit 20 Vehicle 21 Storage Unit 22 Memory 23 Communication Unit 24 Input / Output Unit 25 Positioning Unit 26 Control Unit 261 Transmit / Receive Unit 262 Notification Unit 30 Notification Device 40 Command System 100 Information Processing System 101 Information Processing System 102 Trouble Information Collection Unit 103 Vehicle Information Collection Unit 104 Estimation Unit 105 Team Organization Unit 106 Transmission Unit N Network
Claims
1. An information processing device comprising: trouble information collection means for collecting information relating to a trouble; vehicle information collection means for collecting information relating to a plurality of vehicles located within a predetermined range from the location where the trouble occurred; estimation means for estimating the functions necessary to deal with the trouble based on the trouble information; team formation means for forming a team by selecting appropriate vehicles from the plurality of vehicles that satisfy the estimated functions based on the vehicle information; and transmission means for transmitting instructions to the appropriate vehicles included in the formed team to proceed to the location where the trouble occurred.
2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the information relating to the vehicles is at least one of the following: information relating to the functions of the plurality of vehicles, and information relating to the presence or absence of passengers.
3. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the group formation means selects a vehicle having autonomous driving capabilities that does not carry passengers as the appropriate vehicle to form the group.
4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the estimation means prioritizes the functions necessary to deal with the trouble, and the team formation means forms teams such that vehicles having high-priority functions are included in the teams.
5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the estimation means estimates the type and quantity of functions necessary to deal with the trouble, and the number of vehicles that satisfy the type and quantity, and the team formation means forms teams such that the number of vehicles estimated to satisfy the type and quantity of functions is included in the teams.
6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the estimation means determines whether it is necessary to collect additional information regarding the trouble, and the transmission means, if it is necessary to collect the additional information, transmits an instruction to an additional information collection means located within a predetermined range from the location where the trouble occurred to collect the additional information.
7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the estimation means further estimates the number of personnel required to deal with the trouble, and the transmission means transmits an instruction to a facility capable of arranging the personnel to dispatch the necessary personnel to the location where the trouble occurred.
8. A system comprising: a plurality of vehicles having predetermined functions; and an information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the vehicle that has received the instruction switches from normal driving mode to emergency driving mode.
10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the vehicle, once switched to the emergency driving mode, is able to travel on the road with priority.
11. The system according to claim 9, wherein the vehicle, once switched to the emergency driving mode, has notification means for notifying those around it that it is in emergency driving mode.
12. The system according to claim 9, wherein the vehicle, when switched to the emergency driving mode, has a communication means that enables real-time two-way communication with the personnel involved in the trouble.
13. An information processing method in which a computer performs the following steps: a process of collecting information about a trouble; a process of collecting information about multiple vehicles located within a predetermined range from the location where the trouble occurred; a process of estimating the functions necessary to deal with the trouble based on the information about the trouble; a process of selecting appropriate vehicles from the multiple vehicles that satisfy the estimated functions based on the information about the vehicles and forming a team; and a process of sending instructions to the appropriate vehicles included in the formed team to proceed to the location where the trouble occurred.
14. A program that causes a computer to perform the following steps: a process of collecting information about a trouble; a process of collecting information about multiple vehicles located within a predetermined range from the location where the trouble occurred; a process of estimating the functions necessary to deal with the trouble based on the information about the trouble; a process of selecting appropriate vehicles from among the multiple vehicles that satisfy the estimated functions based on the information about the vehicles and forming a team; and a process of sending instructions to the appropriate vehicles included in the formed team to proceed to the location where the trouble occurred.