JP2020052556A - Vehicle matching system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a vehicle matching system capable of realizing column travelling.SOLUTION: A column control system (vehicle matching system) includes: a reception unit (server communication unit 101) for receiving reference information including at least any one of destination information, departure place information, and current location information from an information terminal; a reference information storage unit 103a for causing a server storage device 102 to store the received reference information; an extraction unit 103c for extracting a vehicle on the basis of the reference information stored in the server storage device; and an output unit (server communication unit) for generating predetermined matching result information on the basis of an extraction result by the extraction unit and outputting it to the information terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle matching system.

  Patent Literatures 1 to 6 disclose a row running control device for performing row running with a plurality of trains. In platooning, the trains run while maintaining a constant inter-vehicle distance, and fuel efficiency is improved by suppressing air resistance.

JP 2008-204094 A JP 2012-43444 A JP 2010-244346 A JP 2014-217715 A JP-A-2006-149044 JP-A-2017-215681

  The above-mentioned platooning cannot be realized unless there are a plurality of vehicles having the same or close destinations or current locations, and there are a plurality of vehicles that intend to perform the platooning. However, there is no technology for collecting train cars forming a platoon, and it is difficult to perform platooning.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle matching system capable of realizing platooning.

  In order to solve the above problems, a vehicle matching system according to the present invention includes: a receiving unit that receives reference information including at least one of destination information, departure place information, and current location information from an information terminal; A storage unit that stores the vehicle in the storage device, an extraction unit that extracts the vehicle based on the reference information stored in the storage device, and based on the extraction result of the extraction unit, generates predetermined matching result information and sends the information to the information terminal. And an output unit for outputting.

  Further, the extraction unit may extract a matching pattern candidate including one or more vehicles according to each of different extraction conditions, and the output unit may output the extracted plurality of matching pattern candidates as matching result information. Good.

  Also, the matching result information may include junction point information indicating a junction point with the vehicle extracted by the extraction unit.

  Further, the vehicle may further include a traveling route identification unit that identifies a traveling route from the current location to the junction based on the junction information.

  Further, the vehicle may further include a route display control unit that is provided in the vehicle and displays the traveling route specified by the traveling route specifying unit on the display unit.

  In addition, the vehicle may further include a traveling control unit that is provided in the vehicle and causes the vehicle to travel according to the traveling route specified by the traveling route specifying unit.

  Further, the reference information may include at least one of vehicle information and user-specific information.

  Further, the information processing apparatus may further include an acquisition unit that acquires road traffic information, and the extraction unit may extract a vehicle based on the reference information and the road traffic information.

  Further, based on the received reference information, the vehicle further includes a row order determining unit that determines the row order of the vehicles extracted by the extraction unit, and the output unit generates row information based on the determined row order, and a matching result. The information may be output to an information terminal.

  According to the present invention, platooning can be realized.

It is an explanatory view showing a schematic configuration of a platoon control system. It is a figure explaining a vehicle provided with a vehicle information terminal. It is a block diagram of a control system of a vehicle. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a terminal storage device. It is a figure explaining selection information. It is a block diagram of a server. FIG. 3 is a first sequence diagram of the platoon control system. FIG. 9 is a second sequence diagram of the platoon control system. It is a figure showing an example of an input interface of desired information. It is a figure showing an example of a selection information list interface. It is a flowchart explaining a matching information registration process. It is a figure showing the example of a display of a terminal display at the time of a matching demand. It is a figure showing an example of a matching pattern selection interface. It is a 1st flowchart explaining a matching request process. It is a 2nd flowchart explaining a matching request process. It is a 1st flowchart explaining a matching process. It is a 2nd flowchart explaining a matching process. It is a flowchart explaining a platoon running control process. It is a figure showing an example of a row information interface. It is a flowchart explaining a formation formation monitoring process. It is a flowchart explaining a platoon running monitoring process.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values and the like shown in the embodiments are merely examples for facilitating the understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In the specification and the drawings, elements having substantially the same function and configuration will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted. Elements not directly related to the present invention will be omitted. I do.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the platoon control system S. The row control system S also functions as a vehicle matching system, a row formation system, and a row running system. The platoon control system S includes an information terminal 1, a communication network 2 having a communication base station 2a, and a server 100.

  The information terminal 1 can establish communication with the server 100 via the communication base station 2a and the communication network 2, and widely includes electronic devices capable of displaying dedicated images. Examples of the information terminal 1 include a smartphone, a mobile phone, a personal computer, a dedicated terminal, and a vehicle information terminal having a navigation system. In the present embodiment, a case where a vehicle information terminal 10 having a navigation system is used as the information terminal 1 will be described.

  The communication base station 2a is connected to the communication network 2, and transmits and receives information to and from the information terminal 1 wirelessly. In addition, the communication base station 2a transmits information wirelessly transmitted from the information terminal 1 to the server 100 via the communication network 2. In addition, the communication base station 2a transmits the information generated by the server 100 to the information terminal 1. The communication network 2 includes a mobile phone network, the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), a dedicated line, and the like, and connects communication between the information terminal 1 and the server 100 via the communication base station 2a.

  The server 100 stores information input from the information terminal 1. As will be described later in detail, the server 100 performs matching of vehicles performing platooning from the accumulated information, and further manages platooning.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a vehicle 20 including the vehicle information terminal 10. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control system of the vehicle 20. The vehicle 20 includes a vehicle information terminal 10, a battery 21, a traveling motor 22, a power receiving unit 23, a power transmitting unit 24, an imaging device 25, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 26, and an automatic traveling control unit 27.

  In the present embodiment, the vehicle 20 is configured by an engine (not shown) and a hybrid vehicle that travels using the traveling motor 22 as a power source. However, the vehicle 20 may be an automobile running only by the engine or an electric automobile running only by the traveling motor 22.

  Battery 21 stores electric power supplied from the outside. The traveling motor 22 is driven by the electric power stored in the battery 21. Power receiving unit 23 is provided on the front side of vehicle 20 and charges battery 21 with electric power transmitted from the outside. The power transmission unit 24 is provided on the rear side of the vehicle 20 and transmits power stored in the battery 21 to the outside. The power receiving unit 23 and the power transmitting unit 24 may be provided on both the front side and the rear side of the vehicle 20, respectively. Further, power transmission unit 24 may be provided on the front side of vehicle 20, and power reception unit 23 may be provided on the rear side of vehicle 20.

  A plurality of imaging devices 25 are provided on the vehicle 20 and capture images of the front, rear, left, and right sides of the vehicle 20, respectively. The GPS receiver 26 receives the position information of the vehicle 20 from a satellite. The automatic traveling control unit 27 controls automatic traveling of the vehicle 20 based on information on the vicinity of the vehicle 20, a destination registered in the navigation system, and the like.

  The vehicle information terminal 10 is provided in a cabin of the vehicle 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the vehicle information terminal 10 includes a terminal display unit 11, a terminal operation unit 12, a terminal communication unit 13, a terminal buffer 14, a terminal storage device 15, and a terminal control unit 16.

  The terminal display unit 11 is configured by a liquid crystal display, and displays various images under the control of the terminal control unit 16.

  The terminal operation unit 12 receives an operation of the vehicle information terminal 10 and includes buttons, a touch panel provided on the terminal display unit 11, or a combination thereof. Here, a case where the terminal operation unit 12 is configured by a touch panel will be described. However, the configuration of the terminal operation unit 12 is not particularly limited as long as it can receive a user operation.

  The terminal communication unit 13 performs processing related to output of information to the communication base station 2a and input of information from the communication base station 2a.

  The terminal buffer 14 functions as a storage area for temporarily storing various information when the terminal control unit 16 performs processing.

  The terminal storage device 15 stores reference information necessary for matching described later. The details of the terminal storage device 15 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The terminal control unit 16 controls the entire vehicle information terminal 10 and performs well-known navigation, matching of vehicles forming a row, and management of row running. The terminal control unit 16 includes a current location acquisition unit 16a, a road traffic information acquisition unit 16b, a route search unit 16c, a display control unit 16d, a matching control unit 16e, a row running control unit 16f, a neighborhood information identification unit 16g, and a remaining fuel acquisition unit 16h. , Functions as a battery remaining amount obtaining unit 16i and a power transmission / reception control unit 16j.

  The current location acquisition unit 16a analyzes a signal received by the GPS receiver 26 and specifies current location information.

  The road traffic information acquisition unit 16b analyzes the road traffic information received from a receiver (not shown) and mainly specifies traffic jam information around the current location.

  The route search unit 16c plays a role as a navigation system, and searches for a route from the current location to a destination or a matching vehicle based on the current location information or road traffic information.

  The display control unit 16d controls display of an image on the terminal display unit 11.

  The matching control unit 16e performs processing until a formation is formed, such as a request for matching to the server 100.

  The platoon running control unit 16f controls running after the matching is established.

  The neighborhood information specifying unit 16g analyzes the image acquired by the imaging device 25, and specifies the vicinity of the vehicle 20 as the neighborhood information.

  The remaining fuel acquisition unit 16h acquires the remaining amount of fuel such as gasoline and light oil.

  The remaining battery level acquiring unit 16i acquires the remaining battery level of the battery 21.

  The power transmission / reception control unit 16j controls power transmission and reception between the power transmission vehicle and the power reception vehicle specified by the server 100 among the trains forming the platoon during the platooning. Specifically, when the own vehicle is specified as the power transmission vehicle, the power transmission unit 24 is controlled to transmit power to the power reception vehicle. When the own vehicle is specified as a power receiving vehicle, the power receiving unit 23 is controlled to receive power from the power transmitting vehicle.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the terminal storage device 15. The terminal storage device 15 includes a host vehicle information storage unit 15a, a user unique information storage unit 15b, and a desired information storage unit 15c. The own vehicle information storage unit 15a stores own vehicle information of the vehicle 20 on which the vehicle information terminal 10 is mounted. Here, as the own vehicle information, the vehicle height, the overall length, the overall width, the average fuel efficiency, the average power consumption, the vehicle type, the body color, and the manufacturer are stored as illustrated. In addition, the own vehicle information storage unit 15a may be configured by a ROM (Read Only Memory) or may be configured by a rewritable RAM (Random Access Memory). When the host vehicle information storage unit 15a is configured by a RAM, for example, some information such as the average fuel consumption and the average power consumption may be periodically updated to actually measured values.

  The user-specific information storage unit 15b stores user (driver, owner of the vehicle 20) specific information. Here, the sex of the user and the age of the user are stored as the unique information of the user. The user-specific information storage unit 15b may be configured by a ROM or a RAM, similarly to the host vehicle information storage unit 15a. When the user unique information storage unit 15b is configured by a RAM, user unique information can be changed for each driver.

  Desired information is stored in the desired information storage unit 15c. The desired information is a condition for extracting formation vehicles forming a row and a desired condition for determining the order of the row. Here, “desired speed”, “platform order”, “partner vehicle type”, “partner body color”, “partner manufacturer”, “partner sex”, and “partner age” are stored as the desired information. In the present embodiment, the desired information storage unit 15c is configured by a RAM, and the user can freely change the desired information.

  Here, the own vehicle information stored in the own vehicle information storage unit 15a, the unique information of the user stored in the user unique information storage unit 15b, and the desired information stored in the desired information storage unit 15c are determined when matching is requested. Is output to the server 100 as reference information. The desired information stored in the desired information storage unit 15c is selection information for the user to select one of a plurality of options.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the selection information. In the present embodiment, the selection information is used for extracting a formation vehicle and determining a row order. For example, “desired speed”, which is desired information (selection information), indicates a speed band desired during platooning, and is selected from four options of “none”, “low speed”, “medium speed”, and “high speed”. Can be selected. “None” indicates that there is no particular desired speed, that is, that any speed band may be used.

  The “platform order” indicates the position of the own vehicle in the platoon composed of a plurality of composed vehicles. In this case, three options are provided, namely, "none" indicating that there is no desire in the column order, "head" desiring the beginning of the column, and "except the top" desiring a position other than the beginning of the column.

  The “opposite vehicle type” indicates a vehicle type that can form a row including the own vehicle. "None" means that any type of vehicle may be included in the row. "Sedan", "SUV", "RV", "1BOX", and "Other" indicate each type of vehicle other than the vehicle that can form the row. Indicates the type.

  The “partner body color” indicates a body color of a vehicle that can form a platoon including the own vehicle. "None" means vehicles of any body color may be included in the platoon, while "White", "Black", "Red-based", "Blue-based", and "Other" indicate the vehicles that can form the platoon. The body color of vehicles other than vehicles is shown.

  The “partner maker” indicates a maker of a vehicle that can form a row including the own vehicle. "None" means that vehicles of any manufacturer may be included in the row, "Same" means that only vehicles of the same manufacturer as the vehicle can form a row, and "Other manufacturers" differ from the vehicle. This indicates that only the vehicles of the manufacturer can form a platoon.

  The “partner gender” indicates the gender of a user (driver) of a vehicle that can form a row including the own vehicle. "None" means that a row can be formed regardless of the gender of the user. "Male" means that only men's vehicles can form a row. "Women" means that only women's vehicles can form a row. Indicates that it is possible.

  The “partner age” indicates the age of a user (driver) of a vehicle capable of forming a platoon including the own vehicle. "None" allows formation of a row regardless of the age of the user. "20s", "30s", "40s", "50s", "60s", and "Others" indicate a row, respectively. Indicates the age of the user who can organize.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the server 100. The server 100 includes a server communication unit 101, a server storage device 102, and a server control unit 103.

  The server communication unit 101 performs processing related to output of information to the communication network 2 and input of information from the communication network 2. Specifically, the server communication unit 101 outputs a matching request signal, destination information, departure place information, current location information, own vehicle information, user-specific information, and desired information (a plurality of pieces of information are output from the vehicle information terminal 10). The reference information including the selected information selected by the information terminal 1) is received. Further, the server communication unit 101 outputs matching result information and platoon information described below to the information terminal 1.

  The server storage device 102 stores the reference information output from the vehicle information terminal 10.

  The server control unit 103 cooperates with the terminal control unit 16 of the vehicle information terminal 10 to perform matching of vehicles forming a platoon and management of platooning. The server control unit 103 includes a reference information storage unit 103a, a road traffic information acquisition unit 103b, an extraction unit 103c, a platoon sequence determination unit 103d, a matching result information generation unit 103e, a running platoon sequence determination unit 103f, and a power transmission / reception vehicle identification unit 103g. , And functions as a replacement permission / inhibition determination unit 103h.

  The reference information storage unit 103a causes the server storage device 102 to store the reference information received from the vehicle information terminal 10.

  The road traffic information acquisition unit 103b analyzes the road traffic information received from a receiver (not shown) and acquires traffic jam information.

  When the matching request signal is input from the vehicle information terminal 10, the extraction unit 103c forms a platoon based on the reference information stored in the server storage device 102 and the road traffic information specified by the road traffic information acquisition unit 103b. And the matching pattern candidate to be extracted.

  The row order determining unit 103d determines the row order of each formation vehicle extracted by the extracting unit 103c for each matching pattern candidate.

  The matching result information generation unit 103e generates matching result information including information on whether or not the matching is successful and information on a matching pattern candidate when the matching is successful.

  The running platoon sequence determining unit 103f determines the platoon sequence of the trains during the platooning. In addition, when the row order determined by the running row order determining unit 103f is different from the running row order, the server communication unit 101 generates the row information based on the determined row order, and the information terminal 1 ( Output to the vehicle information terminal 10).

  The power transmission / reception vehicle specifying unit 103g includes a power transmission vehicle that transmits power in a non-contact manner from among the formation vehicles according to a remaining amount of the battery 21 provided in each of the plurality of formation vehicles forming the platoon, and a power transmission vehicle. To identify a power-receiving vehicle that receives power in a non-contact manner.

  The replacement permission / inhibition determination unit 103h determines whether the formation order of the formation vehicles can be changed, that is, whether traveling in which the formation order is changed is possible, based on the neighborhood information output from each formation vehicle. Specifically, of the trains in which the platoon order is changed, replacement is performed based on all neighborhood information from the foremost (running foremost) train to the last (running for the rearmost) train. It is determined whether or not it is possible.

  Next, an example of control processing in the vehicle information terminal 10 and the server 100 and an example of communication processing performed between the vehicle information terminal 10 and the server 100 will be described in chronological order.

  FIG. 7 is a first sequence diagram of the platoon control system S, and FIG. 8 is a second sequence diagram of the platoon control system S. The matching by the platoon control system S and the management of the platooning can be performed by inputting and storing the matching information (S1) in the vehicle information terminal 10. Note that the matching information is the vehicle information stored in the vehicle information storage unit 15a of the vehicle information terminal 10, the user unique information stored in the user unique information storage unit 15b, and the desired information storage unit 15c. It says three pieces of information of hope information. In the present embodiment, of the three pieces of matching information, the own vehicle information and the user's unique information are registered (stored) in the vehicle information terminal 10 in advance, and the user can input only desired information.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an interface for inputting desired information. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the selection information list interface 31. For example, while the vehicle 20 is traveling, map information is displayed on the terminal display unit 11 of the vehicle information terminal 10. The terminal display unit 11 includes a touch panel, and also functions as the terminal operation unit 12. When a predetermined operation is performed on the terminal operation unit 12, a menu bar 30 is displayed below the terminal display unit 11, as shown in FIG. Here, four tabs are displayed on the menu bar 30, and the texts of "current location", "destination setting", "input of desired information", and "matching request" are displayed on each tab.

  When the user operates a tab marked "input desired information", a selection information list interface 31 is displayed as shown in FIG. 9B. As illustrated, the selection information list interface 31 includes seven title tabs 31a and seven temporary registration display columns 31b displayed on the right side of each title tab 31a. On the title tab 31a, each of the above seven desired information is displayed in text. In the temporary registration display field 31b, selection information currently temporarily registered is displayed in text. Therefore, in the state shown in FIG. 9B, “none” is selected for all of the seven pieces of desired information. During the display of the selection information list interface 31, a registration button 32 and a return button 33 are displayed on the terminal display unit 11.

  When the user operates the title tab 31a or the temporary registration display field 31b, the selection interface 34 is displayed on the terminal display unit 11. The selection interface 34 is provided for each desired information, and the selection interface 34 corresponding to the title tab 31a operated by the user or the temporary registration display field 31b in the selection information list interface 31 is displayed.

  For example, when the title tab 31a marked "desired speed" is operated, a selection interface 34 for "desired speed" is displayed as shown in FIG. 9C. The selection interface 34 for "desired speed" is provided with four selection tabs 34a. On each of the selection tabs 34a, texts of "none", "low speed", "medium speed", and "high speed" are displayed. At this time, a return button 33 is displayed on the terminal display unit 11.

  Then, for example, when the user operates the selection tab 34a displayed as "low speed", the selection tab 34a operated by the user is highlighted as shown in FIG. 9D. Further, the selection information corresponding to the selection tab 34a operated by the user is temporarily registered in the terminal buffer 14, and the selection information list interface 31 is displayed on the terminal display unit 11 again. At this time, the selection information temporarily registered in the terminal buffer 14 is displayed on the selection information list interface 31. Accordingly, in this case, as shown in FIG. 10, "low speed" is displayed in the temporary registration display field 31b on the right side of the title tab 31a on which "desired speed" is written.

  Here, the selection interface 34 for “desired speed” is illustrated, but each selection interface 34 is provided with the same number of selection tabs 34a as the corresponding options (selection information) of desired information. Then, by operating the selection tab 34 a on the selection interface 34, any selection information is provisionally registered in the terminal buffer 14. Then, when the registration button 32 is operated while the selection information list interface 31 is displayed, the selection information temporarily registered in the terminal buffer 14 is stored (mainly registered) in the terminal storage device 15. This completes the input and storage of the matching information. The following describes a matching information registration process for inputting and storing matching information.

(Matching information registration processing)
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the matching information registration processing. The matching information registration process is executed by the matching control unit 16e in the vehicle information terminal 10. When a tab on the menu bar 30 on which the text of “input desired information” is displayed is operated, the matching control unit 16e starts the matching information registration process.

  First, the matching control unit 16e displays the selection information list interface 31 on the terminal display unit 11 (S1-1). When the title tab 31a or the temporary registration display field 31b is operated while the selection information list interface 31 is being displayed (Y in S1-2), the matching control unit 16e determines whether the operated title tab 31a or the temporary registration display field has been operated. The selection interface 34 corresponding to 31b is displayed on the terminal display unit 11 (S1-3).

  When any of the selection tabs 34a is operated while the selection interface 34 is being displayed (Y in S1-4), the matching control unit 16e stores the selection information corresponding to the operated selection tab 34a in the terminal buffer 14a. Is temporarily registered (stored) (S1-5), and the selection information list interface 31 is displayed on the terminal display unit 11 (S1-6).

  When the return button 33 is operated while the selection information list interface 31 or the selection interface 34 is displayed (Y in S1-7), the matching control unit 16e displays the previous screen on the terminal display unit 11. (S1-8).

  When the registration button 32 is operated while the selection information list interface 31 is being displayed (Y in S1-9), the matching control unit 16e stores the selection information temporarily registered in the terminal buffer 14 in the terminal storage device 15. Is stored (transcribed) (S1-10).

  During the matching information registration process, the matching control unit 16e determines whether a preset end condition is satisfied. If the end condition is satisfied (Y in S1-11), a predetermined end process (S1-12) To end the matching information registration process. Note that the end condition includes an operation of an end button (not shown), a decrease in voltage, and the like. In addition, examples of the termination process include a process of clearing the terminal buffer 14 and a process of displaying a predetermined initial image on the terminal display unit 11.

  As described above, when the navigation system guides the route to the destination in a state where the matching information is stored (mainly registered) in the terminal storage device 15, the user performs matching of vehicles performing platooning. Can be requested. In FIG. 7, a part of the matching request process executed by the vehicle information terminal 10 is indicated as S2. During the matching request processing, communication is being performed with the server 100. During this time, the server 100 performs the communication state confirmation processing (S100) and the matching processing. In FIG. 7, a part of the matching processing executed by the server 100 is indicated as S101.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the terminal display unit 11 at the time of a matching request. For example, when the navigation system is activated and a destination is set, route guidance to the destination is displayed on the terminal display unit 11 as shown in FIG. When the user operates the tab marked “matching request” with the menu bar 30 displayed at the bottom of the terminal display unit 11 together with the route guidance, the matching control unit 16 e sends a matching request signal to the server 100. Output.

  At this time, the matching control unit 16e displays "connecting to server" on the terminal display unit 11, as shown in FIG. Then, when communication with the server 100 cannot be established, the matching control unit 16e displays "Could not be connected" on the terminal display unit 11, as shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when communication with the server 100 is established, the matching control unit 16e outputs reference information to the server 100. Here, the matching control unit 16e includes, as reference information, matching information (own vehicle information, user-specific information, desired information) stored in the terminal storage device 15, the current location information acquired by the current location acquisition unit 16a, and the navigation system. The destination information set in step (1) is output to the server 100. Upon receiving the reference information, the server 100 performs a matching process for extracting a matching pattern candidate. At this time, the matching control unit 16e displays "matching" on the terminal display unit 11, as shown in FIG.

  If no matching pattern candidate is extracted in the matching process, server 100 outputs matching result information notifying that matching has not been established to vehicle information terminal 10. In this case, as shown in FIG. 12E, the matching control unit 16e displays "No matching was established" on the terminal display unit 11.

  On the other hand, when a matching pattern candidate is extracted in the matching process, the server 100 outputs the matching pattern candidate to the vehicle information terminal 10 as matching result information. When the matching pattern candidate is received, the matching control unit 16e displays “matching pattern candidate received” on the terminal display unit 11 as shown in FIG.

  In the matching process, the server 100 extracts a matching pattern candidate according to each of the different extraction conditions. Therefore, when a plurality of matching pattern candidates are extracted in the server 100, the plurality of matching pattern candidates can be output to the vehicle information terminal 10 as matching result information.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the matching pattern selection interface 40. Upon receiving the matching pattern candidate, the matching control unit 16e displays the matching pattern selection interface 40 on the terminal display unit 11, as shown in FIG. The matching pattern selection interface 40 includes four tabs 40 a displayed on the upper part of the terminal display unit 11 and a confirm button 41. On the four tabs 40a, texts indicating "priority to fuel consumption", "priority to platoon running", "priority to platoon traveling distance", and "priority to desired conditions" are displayed.

  Here, the text displayed on the tab 40a indicates the priority when extracting a matching pattern candidate. Specifically, “fuel efficiency priority” indicates a matching pattern candidate extracted in accordance with an extraction condition in which an increase rate of fuel efficiency due to platooning is given top priority. Further, “platform running start priority” indicates a matching pattern candidate extracted according to an extraction condition in which the shortest time until the start of platoon running is considered. “Passing platoon travel distance priority” indicates a matching pattern candidate extracted according to an extraction condition in which the longest platoon travel distance is considered with the highest priority. Further, “desired condition priority” indicates a matching pattern candidate extracted according to an extraction condition in which the matching rate of the desired information selected by the user among the matching information is given the highest priority.

  On the initial screen of the matching pattern selection interface 40, as shown in FIG. 13A, a tab 40a labeled "Fuel Efficiency Priority" is highlighted. At this time, the terminal display unit 11 displays detailed information of the matching pattern candidate of “fuel economy priority”. Here, as an example, a predicted fuel consumption increase rate to the destination, a distance to a vehicle other than the own vehicle (hereinafter, referred to as a target vehicle) forming the platoon, a predicted confluence point with the target vehicle, a prediction that enables platooning The platoon mileage is displayed. Here, detailed information on the target vehicle is displayed on the matching pattern selection interface 40. When a platoon is formed by three or more trains, the target vehicle information is switched by a user operation.

  Further, for example, when the tab 40a described as “platform running start priority” is operated in the state shown in FIG. 13A, as shown in FIG. 13B, “platform running start priority” matching is performed. The detailed information of the pattern candidate is displayed. As described above, when a plurality of matching pattern candidates are extracted, the matching pattern selection interface 40 can switch and display information on each matching pattern candidate. Then, when the confirm button 41 is operated while the matching pattern selection interface 40 is being displayed, the user has selected the matching pattern candidate displayed at that time. Hereinafter, a matching request process (S2 in FIG. 7) for making a request for matching to the server 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

(Matching request processing)
FIG. 14 is a first flowchart illustrating the matching request process, and FIG. 15 is a second flowchart illustrating the matching request process. The matching request process is executed by the matching control unit 16e in the vehicle information terminal 10. When a tab on the menu bar 30 on which the text “matching request” is displayed is operated, the matching control unit 16e starts a matching request process.

  First, the matching control unit 16e outputs a matching request signal to the server 100 (S2-1). In addition, the matching control unit 16e performs a matching request start process for switching the display on the terminal display unit 11 as shown in FIG. 12B (S2-2). Further, the matching control unit 16e sets a timer in the matching request start processing. Until the communication establishment signal is input (N in S2-3), the matching control unit 16e performs a timer updating process for updating the timer (S2-4), and outputs a matching request signal for a predetermined time or more. Is determined, that is, whether the time is over (S2-5). When the time is over (Y in S2-5), the matching control unit 16e performs a matching end process (S2-6) and ends the matching request process. In the matching end process, for example, the display on the terminal display unit 11 is switched as shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, in the server 100, when a matching request signal is input, a communication state confirmation process (S100) is performed. In this communication state confirmation processing, a communication establishment signal is output to the vehicle information terminal 10 within a predetermined time after the input of the matching request signal.

  When a communication establishment signal is input to the vehicle information terminal 10 (Y in S2-3 in FIG. 14), the matching control unit 16e determines the current location information acquired by the current location acquisition unit 16a and the destination information set in the navigation system. Then, the matching information stored in the terminal storage device 15 is obtained (S2-7) and output to the server 100 as reference information (S2-8). Then, the matching control unit 16e sets a timer (S2-9) and switches the display on the terminal display unit 11 as shown in FIG. 12D (S2-10).

  When the reference information is input, the server 100 performs a matching process including the process shown in S101 of FIG. In this matching process, matching result information is output to the vehicle information terminal 10.

  Until the matching result information is input (N in S2-11 in FIG. 14), the matching control unit 16e performs a timer update process for updating the timer (S2-12), and outputs the reference information and then performs a predetermined process. It is determined whether or not the time has elapsed, that is, whether the time is over (S2-13). When the time is over (Y in S2-13), the matching control unit 16e performs a matching end process (S2-14), and ends the matching request process. Here, as the matching end processing, for example, the display of the terminal display unit 11 is switched as shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the matching result information is input from the server 100 within the predetermined time, the matching control unit 16e analyzes the matching result information and determines whether the matching is established (S2-15 in FIG. 15). When the matching is not established (N of S2-15), the matching control unit 16e performs a matching end process (S2-26), and ends the matching request process. Here, as the matching end processing, the display on the terminal display unit 11 is switched as shown in FIG.

  As a result of analyzing the matching result information, when the matching is established (Y in S2-15), the matching control unit 16e switches the display on the terminal display unit 11 as shown in FIG. The interface 40 is displayed on the terminal display unit 11 (S2-16). Then, the matching control unit 16e sets a timer (S2-17) and performs a timer updating process for updating the timer until the confirm button 41 is operated (N in S2-18) (S2-19). It is determined whether a predetermined time or more has elapsed since the matching result information was input, that is, whether the time is over (S2-20). When the time is over (Y in S2-20), the matching control unit 16e performs a matching end process (S2-26), and ends the matching request process. Here, as the matching end processing, for example, the display of the terminal display unit 11 is switched as shown in FIG. In addition, when the tab 40a is operated before the confirmation button 41 is operated, the matching control unit 16e transmits information on the matching pattern candidate corresponding to the operated tab 40a to the terminal display unit 11. It is displayed (S2-16).

  On the other hand, when the confirmation button 41 is operated within the predetermined time (Y of S2-18), the matching control unit 16e outputs confirmation request information to the server 100 (S2-21). The confirmation request information is configured to be able to identify the matching pattern candidate selected by the user.

  As will be described in detail later, when the determination request information is input, the server 100 performs a process of asking the other target vehicles constituting the matching pattern candidate selected by the user whether to accept the matching. Then, server 100 determines whether or not the matching of the target vehicle is acceptable, that is, whether the matching has been determined, and outputs matching determination information indicating the result to vehicle information terminal 10.

  After outputting the determination request information, the matching control unit 16e sets the timer (S2-22), and updates the timer until information indicating the determination of the matching is input (N of S2-23). Update processing is performed (S2-24). When the matching is not established (Y in S2-25), the matching control unit 16e performs a matching end process (S2-26), and ends the matching request process. It should be noted that the case where the matching is not established means a case where matching determination information indicating that the matching has not been determined is input or a case where the time is over.

  On the other hand, when the matching is determined (Y in S2-23), the platooning control unit 16f starts the platooning control process (S3) for performing platooning. This platoon running control process (S3) will be described later.

  Next, the matching process (S101 in FIG. 7) executed by the server 100 when the above-described matching request process is being performed in the vehicle information terminal 10 will be described.

(Matching process)
FIG. 16 is a first flowchart illustrating the matching process, and FIG. 17 is a second flowchart illustrating the matching process. The matching process is executed by the server control unit 103 in the server 100. The server control unit 103 starts the matching process by inputting the reference information.

  When the reference information is input, the server control unit 103 (reference information storage unit 103a) stores the reference information in the server storage device 102 (S101-1). Next, the server control unit 103 (road traffic information obtaining unit 103b) obtains road traffic information (S101-2). Next, the server control unit 103 (extraction unit 103c) extracts vehicles forming a platoon based on the reference information stored in the server storage device 102 and the road traffic information (S101-3).

  Here, the extraction unit 103c extracts a vehicle according to each of the different extraction conditions. Specifically, the extraction unit 103c narrows down vehicles existing within a certain range from the current position of the vehicle that has output the matching request signal, and further, from those vehicles, the vehicle having the same traveling direction (destination) as the vehicle. To narrow down.

  The reference information relating to the vehicle that has made the matching request is retained in the server storage device 102 for a certain period of time regardless of whether the matching is established and whether the platoon is executed. In addition, the vehicle whose reference information is held in the server storage device 102 determines whether or not the matching is established, and whether or not the platooning is executed, between the vehicle information terminal 10 and the server 100 for a certain period of time. The transmission / reception of information such as is continuously performed, and the current location information in the server storage device 102 is updated.

  The extraction unit 103c extracts a plurality of vehicles based on the reference information of the vehicles narrowed down as described above. At this time, a plurality of conditions for the vehicle to be extracted by the extraction unit 103c are provided in advance, and the vehicle is extracted according to each extraction condition. Here, four extraction conditions of the above-mentioned "fuel consumption priority", "platform running start priority", "platform running distance priority", and "desired condition priority" are provided. Each extraction condition has a different threshold value for narrowing down vehicles and an order of processing for comparison and determination. Therefore, the extraction unit 103c may extract a different vehicle for each extraction condition (matching pattern candidate) or may extract the same vehicle under different extraction conditions (matching pattern candidate). Further, the extraction unit 103c may extract one vehicle or two or more vehicles for one extraction condition (matching pattern candidate), and may further extract one vehicle. Sometimes it cannot be extracted.

  When a vehicle is extracted by the extraction unit 103c, the server control unit 103 (platform sequence determination unit 103d) determines the column sequence of a plurality of vehicles based on the reference information (S101-4). At this time, the platoon order determining unit 103d determines the platoon order based on at least the extracted selection information including the “row order” of each vehicle in the reference information. When a plurality of matching pattern candidates are extracted, the formation order is determined for all the matching pattern candidates.

  Next, the server control unit 103 (matching result information generation unit 103e) generates matching result information including the vehicle extracted by the extraction unit 103c and the formation order determined by the formation order determination unit 103d (S101-5). Is output to the vehicle information terminal 10 (S101-6). If no vehicle (matching pattern candidate) is extracted, matching result information indicating that matching is not established is generated.

  Next, the server control unit 103 sets a timer (S101-7), and performs a timer update process for updating the timer until the confirmation request information is input from the vehicle information terminal 10 (N in S101-8). Perform (S101-9). When the determination request information is not input within the predetermined time and the time is over (Y in S101-10), the server control unit 103 performs a predetermined matching end process (S101-11).

  On the other hand, when the confirmation request information is input within the predetermined time (Y in S101-8), the server control unit 103 requests the other target vehicles constituting the matching pattern candidate selected by the user to accept the matching. The processing is performed (S101-12). Then, the server control unit 103 waits for input of information indicating whether or not to accept from each target vehicle for a predetermined time, and then finally determines whether or not the matching is established (S101-13). If the matching is not finally achieved (N in S101-14), the server control unit 103 outputs matching unsatisfied information indicating the unsuccessful matching to all target vehicles (S101-15).

  On the other hand, when the matching is finally established (Y in S101-14), the server control unit 103 outputs matching determination information indicating the determination of the matching to all target vehicles (S101-16). The matching determination information includes information on all trains forming the determined matching pattern, merging point information indicating a merging point with another train, information such as a distance to another train. . Note that the same information as the previously output matching result information may be output as the matching determination information.

  When the matching is finally established, the server control unit 103 performs a formation formation monitoring process for monitoring the formation vehicles until the formation starts running (S102). This platoon formation monitoring process will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the vehicle information terminal 10, when the matching determination information is input, the platoon running control unit 16f starts a platoon running control process (S3) for performing platoon running. This platooning control process (S3) is a process for guiding trains existing at positions separated from each other to a merging point to complete the platooning, and thereafter maintaining the platooning. 7 and 8, a part of the platoon running control process (S3) is indicated by reference numeral S3. The platoon running control process (S3) will be described below with reference to FIG.

(Platform running control processing)
FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a platoon running control process. The route search unit 16c specifies a traveling route from the current location to the junction based on the junction information and the current location information (S3-1). The display control unit 16d displays the traveling route to the junction specified by the route search unit 16c on the terminal display unit 11 (S3-2). Further, the platoon running control unit 16f outputs a signal to the automatic running control unit 27 so that the vehicle 20 runs according to the running route specified by the route searching unit 16c. The automatic traveling control unit 27 controls the traveling motor 22, the engine, and the like, and performs automatic traveling toward the junction (S3-3). The platoon running control unit 16f outputs predetermined running information such as current position information and the like during automatic running to the server 100 at regular intervals (S3-4).

  The server 100 obtains the current location information from each train, and monitors the relative position of each train. When the trains are cascaded within a certain distance, the server 100 outputs formation completion information to each train. The platoon running control unit 16f repeats the above processing and waits until the platoon formation completion information is input (N in S3-5). When the formation completion information is input to the vehicle information terminal 10 (Y in S3-5), the display control unit 16d displays the formation information on the terminal display unit 11 (S3-6).

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of the formation information interface 50. When the formation is completed, the formation information interface 50 is displayed on all the vehicles 20 forming the same formation, as shown in FIG. In this example, one platoon is formed by three vehicles 20. FIG. 50A shows the terminal display unit 11 of the vehicle 20 located at the head of the platoon, and FIG. 50B shows the terminal display unit 11 of the vehicle 20 located at the second of the platoon. According to the platoon information interface 50, the platoon order of the own vehicle in the platoon is notified. The platoon formation completion information includes platoon information indicating the current platoon order of each vehicle 20 in the platoon. The display control unit 16d displays the row information interface 50 based on the row information included in the row formation completion information. In addition, the platoon information interface 50 displays the total fuel efficiency improvement rate and the remaining battery level during platooning.

  Returning to FIG. 18, the platoon running control unit 16 f outputs a signal to the automatic running control unit 27 so that the vehicle 20 runs while maintaining a constant distance between the trains. The automatic traveling control unit 27 controls the traveling motor 22, the engine, and the like, and automatically performs platooning toward the destination (S3-7). The platoon running control unit 16f outputs predetermined platoon running information such as current position information and remaining battery power to the server 100 at regular intervals during automatic platoon running (S3-8).

  During the running of the platoon, the server 100 determines whether or not to change the platoon order of the trains forming the platoon. When the change of the row order is determined, the row order information is output from the server 100 to each vehicle 20 (see FIG. 8). When the platoon order information is input (Y in S3-9), the neighborhood information specifying unit 16g outputs neighborhood information indicating a situation around the own vehicle to the server 100 (S3-10). Here, the neighborhood information is an image around the vehicle 20 captured by the imaging device 25.

  The server 100 acquires the neighborhood information from all the vehicles forming the platoon, determines whether or not the platoon order can be changed, and outputs the determination result information to the vehicle 20 according to the determination result. When the determination result information is input (Y in S3-11), the display control unit 16d displays the determination result on the terminal as shown in, for example, FIGS. 19 (c), (d), (e), and (f). The information is displayed on the unit 11 to notify the user (S3-12). When it is possible to change the row order (Y in S3-13), the row running control unit 16f controls the running for changing the row order (S3-14).

  When the change of the order of the platoon is completed, the platoon running control unit 16f determines whether to perform power transmission and reception (S3-15), and when it is determined to perform power transmission and reception (Y in S3-15), The power transmission / reception control unit 16j performs power transmission or power reception (S3-16).

  Next, the platoon formation monitoring process (S102) and the platoon running monitoring process (S103) executed in the server 100 in parallel with the above-mentioned platoon running control process in the vehicle information terminal 10 will be described.

(Platform formation monitoring processing)
FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a platoon formation monitoring process. The server control unit 103 analyzes the traveling information output from the vehicle information terminal 10, updates the storage information such as the current location information stored in the server storage device 102 (S102-1), and the trains are arranged in series. Is determined (S102-2). In addition, the server control unit 103 determines whether or not a stop condition for stopping formation of the platoon is satisfied until the formation vehicles are cascaded (N in S102-2) (S102-3).

  The stop conditions may be, for example, that the train does not go to the junction and does not travel on the specified route, that the train separates by a certain distance or more, and that a certain period of time has elapsed. While the stop condition is not satisfied (N in S102-3), the server control unit 103 repeatedly updates the storage information of the server storage device 102. When the stop condition is satisfied (Y in S102-3), the formation of the platoon is performed. The process is stopped (S102-4), and the formation monitoring process ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the trains are arranged in tandem (Y in S102-2), the server control unit 103 outputs the formation completion information to the vehicle information terminal 10 (S102-5). Here, platoon formation completion information including platoon information indicating the current platoon sequence is output from the current location information of the tandem trains. When the formation of the platoon is completed as described above, the server control unit 103 performs a platoon running monitoring process of monitoring the platoon running (S103).

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating the platoon running monitoring process. The server control unit 103 analyzes the platoon running information output from the vehicle information terminal 10 and updates the current location information stored in the server storage device 102 and the stored information such as the remaining battery power of each train set ( S103-1). In addition, the power transmission / reception vehicle specifying unit 103g is configured to transmit power from the train set without contact to the power transmission vehicle based on the remaining battery level stored in the server storage device 102 and to receive power from the power transmission vehicle without contact. A power transmission / reception vehicle specifying process for specifying the power reception vehicle to perform the power transmission / reception vehicle (S103-2).

  Specifically, the power transmission / reception vehicle specifying unit 103g determines whether there is a train set whose remaining battery power is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. If there is no train set whose battery remaining amount is equal to or less than the threshold, the power transmission / reception vehicle identification processing ends. On the other hand, if there is a train set having a remaining battery capacity equal to or less than the threshold, the train set having the largest remaining battery capacity is specified as the power transmission vehicle.

  When the power transmitting vehicle and the power receiving vehicle are specified (Y in S103-3), the running platoon order determining unit 103f determines the platoon order so that the power transmitting vehicle and the power receiving vehicle are continuous. At this time, the vehicle 20 is provided with the power receiving unit 23 on the front side and the power transmitting unit 24 on the rear side. Therefore, the running platoon order determining unit 103f determines the platoon order such that the power-receiving vehicle is arranged behind (one behind) the power-transmitting vehicle.

  When the power transmission vehicle and the power reception vehicle have not been identified (N in S103-3), the running platoon sequence determination unit 103f re-determines the platoon sequence according to a predetermined condition (S103-4). The re-determination of the platoon order is performed, for example, when the time of platooning in the current platoon order exceeds a certain time, or when the difference in the rate of increase in fuel efficiency between the trains exceeds a certain value. Further, there is no particular limitation on how to redetermine (change) the platoon order. For example, the order of the platoon may be changed in a predetermined cycle, or may be arbitrarily changed according to the driving situation such as a rate of increase in fuel efficiency.

  The server control unit 103 repeats the above processing until the platoon order is determined again (N in S103-5). On the other hand, when the power transmitting vehicle and the power receiving vehicle are specified (Y in S103-3), or when the row order is changed (Y in S103-5), the server control unit 103 sets the newly determined row order. Is output to the vehicle information terminal 10 (S103-6), and thereafter, it waits until near information is input from all trains (N in S103-7 and S103-8).

  When the neighborhood information is input from all trains (Y in S103-8), the replacement permission / non-permission determination unit 103h determines whether or not the replacement of the formation vehicle order is possible based on the neighborhood information (S103-9). Here, the exchange permission / non-permission determination unit 103h determines that no other vehicles exist around the range from the earliest formation vehicle to the last formation vehicle among the formation vehicles of which the formation order is changed based on the input neighborhood information. Or whether there is a parallel lane different from the currently running lane. Note that, for example, only one of the left and right lanes of the lane in which the platoon is running may be determined as to whether or not another vehicle exists. In this case, among the trains whose formation order is changed, whether or not replacement is possible is determined based on all pieces of neighborhood information from the first formation vehicle to the last formation vehicle. It may be determined whether replacement is possible based on the neighborhood information of the train set. In this case, if the neighborhood information is not input within the predetermined time, the replacement permission / non-permission determination unit 103h determines that the replacement is not possible.

  Then, the exchange enable / disable determination unit 103h outputs determination result information indicating the determination result of the exchange enable / disable to the vehicle information terminal 10 (S103-10). Thereafter, the server control unit 103 determines whether a stop condition for stopping the platooning is satisfied (S103-11). The stop condition may be, for example, that the train is separated from the platoon by a predetermined distance. While the stop condition is not satisfied (N in S103-11), the server control unit 103 repeats the above processing. When the stop condition is satisfied (Y in S103-11), the platoon running is stopped (S103-12). ), And terminates the platoon running monitoring process.

  According to the above-mentioned row control system S, formation trains can be matched from many vehicles 20, so that row running is easily realized. In particular, according to the platoon control system S, trains are extracted based on the selection information selected by the user, so that platooning suited to the user's preference can be realized. Thereby, the stress of the driver during the platooning can be reduced.

  In addition, when the order of the platoons is changed during the platooning, whether or not the order of the platoons can be changed is determined based on the neighborhood information, so that the safety can be improved. Furthermore, according to the platoon control system S, since power is transmitted and received during platooning, the number of vehicles 20 that quickly leave the platoon due to power shortage decreases, and platooning can be realized over long distances. .

  As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention. Is done.

  The selection information and the reference information in the above embodiment are merely examples. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the reference information includes selection information that can be selected by the user, but the reference information may not include the selection information. Further, in the above embodiment, the reference information includes the vehicle information and the user's unique information. However, at least one of these pieces of information may be included, or the information may not be included. .

  Further, in the above embodiment, the platoon order is determined both before the platooning and during the platooning. However, the platoon order is determined only before the platooning or during the platooning. You may.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the server 100 is provided has been described. However, for example, the vehicles 20 may perform wireless communication, and the vehicle information terminal 10 may receive reference information, determine the formation order, and generate and output formation information.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the row information interface 50 for notifying the row order is displayed on the vehicle information terminal 10. However, for example, when the row order is changed by automatic driving, the row order is changed. Notification is not mandatory.

  Further, in the above embodiment, when requesting the matching, the current location information, the destination information, and the matching information are output to the server 100 as the reference information. However, when requesting the matching, the destination information is not essential. Further, instead of the current location information, departure location information indicating from which point the vehicle departs may be used as reference information. In any case, the reference information including at least one of the destination information, the departure point information, and the current position information may be received from the information terminal 1 and the vehicle 20 may be extracted.

  In the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which the vehicle information terminal 10 issues a matching request while the vehicle 20 is traveling. However, for example, from the information terminal 1 such as a personal computer or a smartphone, the date and time at which the platoon run is desired may be input, and the vehicle 20 may be extracted using the time information as reference information. That is, the platoon control system S (vehicle matching system) can also be used when making advance reservations for platooning. In this case, the current location of the user is not required for extracting the vehicle 20, and the departure location information may be used instead.

  Further, in the above embodiment, two or more vehicles 20 excluding the own vehicle can be extracted. However, only one vehicle 20 may be extracted other than the own vehicle.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the extracting unit 103c extracts a plurality of matching pattern candidates, but it is also possible to extract only one matching pattern candidate. In the above embodiment, the matching pattern candidate is output as the matching result information, and the user selects one of the plurality of matching pattern candidates. However, when only one matching pattern candidate is extracted, the above-described matching determination information may be simultaneously output as matching result information, and the vehicle may immediately start traveling toward the junction. In any case, the content is not particularly limited as long as predetermined matching result information is generated and output to the information terminal 1 based on the extraction result of the extraction unit 103c.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the matching result information includes the merging point information indicating the merging point with another formation vehicle, and the traveling route from the current location to the merging point is specified based on the merging point information. However, the merging point information and the specification of the traveling route are not essential. For example, only the current position of another train may be included in the matching result information.

  In the above embodiment, the vehicle 20 has the automatic traveling function, but the automatic traveling function is not essential.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the road traffic information acquisition unit 103b is provided, and when the composition vehicle is extracted, the road traffic information is referred to, but the composition vehicle is extracted without considering the road traffic information. Is also good. Further, as described above, for example, when matching the vehicles 20 that will run in platoon after tomorrow, traffic congestion prediction information may be incorporated into the reference information.

  In the above-described embodiment, the vicinity information specifying unit 16g specifies the vicinity information based on the image captured by the imaging device 25. However, the vicinity information specifying unit 16g may specify the vicinity information using not only the imaging device 25 but also an infrared sensor or the like. Further, the method of determining whether or not the order of the trains in the trains can be changed is not particularly limited, and the determination may be performed according to a program designed in advance.

  In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 19C to 19H, whether or not the order of the platoon sequence can be changed and the completion of the change of the platoon sequence are notified by the platoon information interface 50. However, the notification mode of the determination result of the permutation of the platoon order is not limited to this, and the notification may be performed by voice, for example.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the traveling for changing the row order is automatically performed. However, the row order may be changed by a driver. In the above-described embodiment, the formation order of the trains is determined during the formation, but this is not essential. For example, during traveling in the platoon, the result of the determination as to whether or not the order of the platoon order can be changed is always notified, and the user may arbitrarily determine whether or not to change the platoon order based on this notification information.

  The present invention can be used for a vehicle matching system.

16c Route search unit (running route identification unit)
16d display control unit (route display control unit)
16f platoon running control unit (running control unit)
101 server communication unit (receiving unit, output unit)
102 Server storage device (storage device)
103a Reference information storage unit (storage unit)
103b Road traffic information acquisition unit (acquisition unit)
103c extraction unit 103d platoon sequence determination unit 103f running platoon sequence determination unit (platform sequence determination unit)
S platoon control system (vehicle matching system)

Claims (9)

A receiving unit that receives reference information including at least one of destination information, departure location information, and current location information from the information terminal;
A storage unit for storing the received reference information in a storage device,
An extraction unit that extracts a vehicle based on the reference information stored in the storage device,
An output unit that generates predetermined matching result information based on the extraction result of the extraction unit and outputs the information to an information terminal;
Vehicle matching system comprising: The extraction unit extracts a matching pattern candidate including one or a plurality of vehicles according to each of different extraction conditions,
The vehicle matching system according to claim 1, wherein the output unit is capable of outputting the plurality of extracted matching pattern candidates as the matching result information.   The vehicle matching system according to claim 1, wherein the matching result information includes junction information indicating a junction with the vehicle extracted by the extraction unit.   The vehicle matching system according to claim 3, further comprising: a traveling route identification unit that identifies a traveling route from a current location to the junction based on the junction information.   The vehicle matching system according to claim 4, further comprising a route display control unit provided on the vehicle and configured to display a driving route specified by the driving route specifying unit on a display unit.   The vehicle matching system according to claim 4, further comprising a traveling control unit provided on the vehicle and configured to cause the vehicle to travel according to the traveling route specified by the traveling route specifying unit.   The vehicle matching system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the reference information includes at least one of vehicle information and user-specific information. It further comprises an acquisition unit for acquiring road traffic information,
The vehicle matching system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the extraction unit extracts a vehicle based on the reference information and the road traffic information. Based on the received reference information, further comprising a row order determining unit that determines the row order of the vehicle extracted by the extraction unit,
The output unit includes:
The vehicle matching system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein platoon information is generated based on the determined platoon sequence, and is output to the information terminal as the matching result information.

Images