JP2024022358A - Information processor, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve technology to determine service areas.

SOLUTION: An information processor 20 searches a predetermined search area to determine a target area for providing an on-demand transportation subscription service that dispatches a vehicle to a boarding point in response to a request from a user. The information processor 20 includes a control unit 21 that acquires evaluation information indicating an evaluation value calculated for each link for each of a plurality of links connecting a plurality of nodes included in a road network in the search area, selects two or more links from the plurality of links based on the evaluation value indicated by the acquired evaluation information, and determines an area defined by the set of the selected two or more links as a target area.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

COPYRIGHT: (C)2024,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program.

Patent Document 1 discloses an automobile operation management system for providing operation services using operation vehicles to a large number of users residing in a predetermined area.

JP2020-067933A

On-demand transportation subscription services are known that dispatch vehicles such as taxis to boarding points in response to requests from users. For example, in an on-demand transportation subscription service, a user can use a vehicle such as a taxi for an unlimited number of trips within a predetermined service area or up to a predetermined upper limit, subject to the payment of a predetermined monthly usage fee. This method is generally adopted.

When a provider of an on-demand transportation subscription service newly introduces the subscription service, it is necessary to determine in advance the service area in which the service will be provided. However, there was room for improvement in the technology for determining the service area.

The purpose of this disclosure is to improve techniques for determining service areas.

The information processing device according to the present disclosure includes:
An information processing device that searches a preset search area to determine a target area for providing an on-demand transportation subscription service that dispatches a vehicle to a boarding point in response to a user's request, the information processing device comprising:
For each of a plurality of links connecting a plurality of nodes included in a road network in the search area, evaluation information indicating an evaluation value calculated for each link is obtained, and based on the evaluation value indicated by the obtained evaluation information. , a control unit that selects two or more links from the plurality of links and determines an area defined by a set of the selected two or more links as the target area.

The information processing method related to this disclosure is
An information processing method that searches a preset search area to determine a target area for providing an on-demand transportation subscription service that dispatches a vehicle to a boarding point in response to a request from a user, the method comprising:
acquiring evaluation information indicating an evaluation value calculated for each link, by the control unit, for each of the plurality of links connecting the plurality of nodes included in the road network in the search area;
Selecting two or more links from the plurality of links based on the evaluation value indicated by the obtained evaluation information by the control unit;
The method includes determining, by the control unit, an area defined by a set of two or more selected links as the target area.

The program related to this disclosure is
A computer as an information processing device that searches a preset search area and determines a target area for providing an on-demand transportation subscription service that dispatches a vehicle to a boarding point in response to a request from a user;
acquiring evaluation information indicating an evaluation value calculated for each link for each of a plurality of links connecting a plurality of nodes included in a road network in the search area;
selecting two or more links from the plurality of links based on the evaluation value indicated by the obtained evaluation information;
and determining an area defined by a set of two or more selected links as the target area.

According to the present disclosure, techniques for determining a service area are improved.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a first example of selection processing performed by the information processing device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a second example of selection processing performed by the information processing device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a third example of selection processing performed by the information processing device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a search area according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a search area and a target area according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are given the same reference numerals. In the description of this embodiment, the description of the same or corresponding parts will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

The configuration of a system 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1.

The system 10 according to this embodiment includes an information processing device 20 and a terminal device 30. The information processing device 20 can communicate with the terminal device 30 via the network 40.

The information processing device 20 is installed in a facility such as a data center, and is operated by an administrator who manages the system 10. The information processing device 20 is a computer such as a server belonging to a cloud computing system or other computing system.

The terminal device 30 is used by a business operator. The terminal device 30 is, for example, a mobile device such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet, or a PC. "PC" is an abbreviation for personal computer. In this embodiment, the operator is a provider of an on-demand transportation subscription service that dispatches vehicles to boarding points in response to requests from users. For example, a subscription service provider may allow users who have paid a predetermined monthly fee to use a vehicle such as a taxi for an unlimited number of trips within a predetermined service area or up to a predetermined upper limit. We provide services that: The terminal device 30 is installed in a facility owned by the provider and is used by the provider's employees. Alternatively, the terminal device 30 installed in a facility owned by the provider may be shared by two or more employees. Alternatively, the business operator may be the administrator of the system 10. If the business operator is the administrator of the system 10, the terminal device 30 may be installed in the management room of the system 10 and used by the administrator. Alternatively, the terminal device 30 installed in the management room may be shared by two or more managers.

Network 40 includes the Internet, at least one WAN, at least one MAN, or any combination thereof. "WAN" is an abbreviation for wide area network. "MAN" is an abbreviation for metropolitan area network. Network 40 may include at least one wireless network, at least one optical network, or any combination thereof. The wireless network is, for example, an ad hoc network, a cellular network, a wireless LAN, a satellite communication network, or a terrestrial microwave network. "LAN" is an abbreviation for local area network.

An overview of this embodiment will be explained with reference to FIG.

When a provider of on-demand transportation subscription service introduces a new service, if the service area to which the subscription service is intended includes roads with low demand such as side roads, for example, It is not necessarily efficient in terms of energy consumption or demand response. This is because for roads with low demand, it may not be possible to obtain revenue to cover the costs necessary to introduce the roads. Therefore, if inefficient roads can be excluded from the service area, it is possible to cover as many high-demand areas as possible within the service area with limited cost, and it is thought that many users can be acquired. However, until now it has not been possible to determine the target range on a road-by-road basis. Furthermore, it was difficult to determine which roads should be included in the service area to generate more profits.

The information processing device 20 searches a preset search area R1 and determines a target area R2 for providing an on-demand transportation subscription service that dispatches a vehicle to a boarding point in response to a request from a user. The information processing device 20 acquires evaluation information D2 indicating an evaluation value calculated for each link for each of the plurality of links connecting the plurality of nodes included in the road network in the search region R1. The information processing device 20 selects two or more links from the plurality of links based on the evaluation value indicated by the acquired evaluation information D2, and defines an area defined by a set of the selected two or more links. This is determined as the target region R2.

According to this embodiment, the area defined by the links selected based on the evaluation value calculated for each link is determined as the target region R2. For example, by calculating low evaluation values for links that consume a lot of energy or for links that have low demand, and by preferentially selecting links with high evaluation values, for example, as the target area R2, Efficient areas are determined from the viewpoint of energy consumption or demand response. That is, the service area in which the on-demand transportation subscription service is provided is appropriately determined. Therefore, the technique for determining the service area is improved.

In this embodiment, each link corresponds to each road existing within the search area R1. Further, the area defined as the target region R2 by a set of two or more links is, for example, an area defined within a certain distance from each link included in the set of links. Alternatively, it may be an area defined by each link included in the set of links and the node itself connected to each link.

The configuration of the information processing device 20 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

The information processing device 20 includes a control section 21, a storage section 22, and a communication section 23.

Control unit 21 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for specific processing. "CPU" is an abbreviation for central processing unit. "GPU" is an abbreviation for graphics processing unit. The programmable circuit is, for example, an FPGA. "FPGA" is an abbreviation for field-programmable gate array. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC. "ASIC" is an abbreviation for application specific integrated circuit. The control unit 21 executes processing related to the operation of the information processing device 20 while controlling each part of the information processing device 20 .

Storage unit 22 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. The semiconductor memory is, for example, RAM or ROM. "RAM" is an abbreviation for random access memory. "ROM" is an abbreviation for read only memory. The RAM is, for example, SRAM or DRAM. "SRAM" is an abbreviation for static random access memory. "DRAM" is an abbreviation for dynamic random access memory. The ROM is, for example, an EEPROM. "EEPROM" is an abbreviation for electrically erasable programmable read only memory. The storage unit 22 functions as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 22 stores data used for the operation of the information processing device 20 and data obtained by the operation of the information processing device 20.

A map database DB is constructed in the storage unit 22. The map database DB is a database that stores map information of the entire area in which on-demand transportation subscription services can be provided. The map database DB includes information about road networks. Specifically, the map database DB contains information about the road network, such as location information of points corresponding to each node included in the road network, the length of each link, and the length of the road associated with each link. It can include information indicating the width, the traffic volume of the road associated with each link, the number of users who used the road, and the like. The number of users using the road can be counted, for example, based on the number of times the user gets on and off an on-demand vehicle such as a taxi.

The communication unit 23 includes at least one communication interface. The communication interface is, for example, a LAN interface. The communication unit 23 communicates with the terminal device 30. The communication unit 23 receives data used for the operation of the information processing device 20 and transmits data obtained by the operation of the information processing device 20.

The functions of the information processing device 20 are realized by executing the program according to the present embodiment by a processor serving as the control unit 21. That is, the functions of the information processing device 20 are realized by software. The program causes the computer to function as the information processing device 20 by causing the computer to execute the operations of the information processing device 20 . That is, the computer functions as the information processing device 20 by executing the operations of the information processing device 20 according to the program.

The program may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The non-transitory computer-readable medium is, for example, a flash memory, a magnetic recording device, an optical disk, a magneto-optical recording medium, or a ROM. Distribution of the program is performed, for example, by selling, transferring, or lending a portable medium such as an SD card, DVD, or CD-ROM that stores the program. "SD" is an abbreviation for Secure Digital. "DVD" is an abbreviation for digital versatile disc. "CD-ROM" is an abbreviation for compact disc read only memory. The program may be distributed by storing the program in the storage of a server and transferring the program from the server to another computer. The program may be provided as a program product.

For example, a computer temporarily stores a program stored in a portable medium or a program transferred from a server in a main storage device. Then, the computer uses a processor to read a program stored in the main memory, and causes the processor to execute processing according to the read program. A computer may read a program directly from a portable medium and execute processing according to the program. The computer may sequentially execute processing according to the received program each time the program is transferred to the computer from the server. Processing may be performed using a so-called ASP type service that implements functions only by issuing execution instructions and obtaining results without transferring programs from the server to the computer. "ASP" is an abbreviation for application service provider. The program includes information that is used for processing by an electronic computer and is equivalent to a program. For example, data that is not a direct command to a computer but has the property of regulating computer processing falls under "something similar to a program."

Some or all of the functions of the information processing device 20 may be realized by a programmable circuit or a dedicated circuit as the control unit 21. That is, some or all of the functions of the information processing device 20 may be realized by hardware.

The operation of the information processing device 20 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 8. This operation corresponds to the information processing method according to this embodiment.

In step S1 of FIG. 3, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 searches the search area R1. Specifically, the control unit 21 acquires data D1 indicating a preset search area R1, and searches the search area R1 indicated by the acquired data D1. The data D1 includes information that specifies an area on the map that will be the search region R1. Although the data D1 may be acquired by any procedure, in this embodiment, it is acquired by the following procedure.

In the first step, the operator who wants to set the search area R1 selects a desired area on the map displayed on the display as the output unit of the terminal device 30 as the search area R1. For example, on the touch screen as an input unit provided integrally with the display of the terminal device 30, the operator performs an operation to specify the search area R1 by touching a desired area on the map displayed on the screen. I do. Alternatively, the business operator performs an operation to designate the search area R1 by enclosing a desired area on the map displayed on the screen using any input means. The terminal device 30 accepts this operation as an operation for setting the search region R1.

In the second procedure, the terminal device 30 communicates with the information processing device 20 and transmits information indicating the search region R1 set in the first procedure to the information processing device 20 as data D1.

In the third procedure, the information processing device 20 receives the data D1 transmitted from the terminal device 30 via the communication unit 23. The control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 acquires the received data D1.

FIG. 7 shows an example of the search area R1 in this embodiment.

In this embodiment, the search area R1 includes a road network including a plurality of nodes and a plurality of links connecting the plurality of nodes. In the example of FIG. 7, multiple points are defined as multiple nodes N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, and N6. Although six nodes from node N1 to node N6 are shown in FIG. 7, the number of nodes is not limited to this, and can be any number greater than or equal to two. The plurality of nodes N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, and N6 are connected by a plurality of links L12, L13, L14, L15, L16, L2n, L36, L3n, L45, L4n, L56, L5n, and L6n. In FIG. 7, 13 links are shown from link L12 to L6n, but the number of links is not limited to this and can be varied according to the number of nodes. A plurality of nodes N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, N6 and a plurality of links L12, L13, L14, L15, L16, L2n, L36, L3n, L45, L4n, L56, L5n, L6n are roads in the search area R1. Configuring the network. That is, the search area R1 includes a plurality of nodes N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, N6 and a plurality of links L12, L13, L14, L15 connecting the plurality of nodes N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, N6. , L16, L2n, L36, L3n, L45, L4n, L56, L5n, and L6n. The control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 searches the search area R1 and searches for a plurality of links L12, L13, L14, L15, L16, L2n, L36, L3n, L45, L4n, L56, L5n, L6n included in the road network. For each, a selection process described below is performed.

In step S2, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 acquires evaluation information D2. Evaluation information D2 includes a plurality of links L12, L13, L14, L15, L16, L2n, L36, L3n, L45 connecting a plurality of nodes N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, N6 included in the road network in the search region R1. , L4n, L56, L5n, and L6n, the information indicates the evaluation value calculated for each link. Specifically, the control unit 21 refers to the map database DB built in the storage unit 22, and obtains information indicating the evaluation value of each link calculated based on the road network information included in the map database DB. It is acquired as evaluation information D2. The evaluation value indicated by the evaluation information D2 may be a value based on any index, but in this embodiment, it is a cost or value calculated for each link. In this embodiment, high cost means low evaluation value. Furthermore, a high value means a high evaluation value. Specific indicators for calculating the cost or value of each link will be described later.

In step S3, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 selects a plurality of links L12, L13, L14, L15, L16, L2n, L36, L3n based on the evaluation value indicated by the evaluation information D2 acquired in step S2. , L45, L4n, L56, L5n, and L6n. A specific example of the selection process will be described later.

When two or more links are selected by executing the selection process in step S3, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 determines the area defined by the set of the selected two or more links as the target region R2. do. The control unit 21 performs control to output data D3 indicating the determined target region R2. The data D3 includes information that specifies the area on the map that is the target region R2.

FIG. 8 shows an example of a target region R2 defined within the search region R1 in this embodiment.

In the example of FIG. 8, links selected by executing the selection process in step S3 are shown by solid lines, and links not selected are shown by broken lines. Further, a target region R2 defined by a set of selected links is indicated by a chain line. In the example of FIG. 8, by executing the selection process in step S3, among the plurality of links L12, L13, L14, L15, L16, L2n, L36, L3n, L45, L4n, L56, L5n, L6n, links L12, L13 , L15, L16, L2n, L56, and L6n are selected. As shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 determines an area defined by a set of selected links L12, L13, L15, L16, L2n, L56, and L6n as a target region R2.

According to this embodiment, the area defined by the links selected based on the evaluation value calculated for each link is determined as the target region R2. That is, the service area in which the on-demand transportation subscription service is provided is appropriately determined. Therefore, the technique for determining the service area is improved.

(First example of selection process)
A first example of the selection process in step S3 described above will be described with reference to FIG. 4. Generally speaking, in the first example, links are selected based on the cost calculated for each link. Specifically, in the first example, it is assumed that the evaluation information D2 indicates the cost calculated for each link.

In the first example, the cost for each link is calculated using the length of the link as an index. For example, using the length of a link, the amount of increase in the range to be covered by including the link in the target area R2 is calculated as the cost. In this example, the longer the link, the higher the cost calculated. The cost for each link may be calculated using the width of the road associated with the link as an index. For example, by using the width of the road associated with the link, the amount of decrease in demand for the road may be calculated as the cost. In this case, the narrower the road associated with the link, the higher the cost calculated. Alternatively, the cost for each link may be calculated using the energy consumption of the link as an index. Although the energy consumption of a link may be estimated using any method, for example, it can be estimated based on the occurrence of traffic congestion. Generally, as the frequency of acceleration and deceleration increases, fuel efficiency decreases, so it can be estimated that links that tend to be congested consume a lot of energy. Furthermore, in the case of a self-driving vehicle, energy consumption can be estimated based on the amount of white lines. Since the power consumption of automatic driving control is higher on roads with few landmarks such as white lines, it can be estimated that the smaller the number of white lines, the higher the amount of energy consumed. When the energy consumption of a link is used as an index, the higher the energy consumption, the higher the cost will be calculated.

In step S301 of FIG. 4, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 specifies the cost calculated for each link from the evaluation information D2 acquired in step S2 of FIG.

In step S302 of FIG. 4, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 compares the cost specified in step S301 with a cost threshold for each link. The cost threshold is, for example, an arbitrary value set by a business operator. The control unit 21 performs the process of step S302 for each link. If it is determined that the cost specified for a certain link is less than the cost threshold, the process of step S303 is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the cost specified for a certain link is equal to or greater than the cost threshold, the process of FIG. 4 ends for that link.

In step S303 of FIG. 4, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 selects the link whose cost was determined to be less than the cost threshold in step S302. As an example, among the plurality of links L12, L13, L14, L15, L16, L2n, L36, L3n, L45, L4n, L56, L5n, and L6n shown in FIG. , L6n is less than the cost threshold. Therefore, the control unit 21 selects links L12, L13, L15, L16, L2n, L56, and L6n.

In this way, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 acquires information indicating the cost calculated for each link as the evaluation information D2. The control unit 21 selects a link whose calculated cost is less than the cost threshold from among the plurality of links. According to this example, the service area in which the on-demand transportation subscription service is provided is appropriately determined from the viewpoint of cost. Therefore, the technique for determining the service area is improved.

(Second example of selection process)
A second example of the selection process in step S3 described above will be described with reference to FIG. 5. Generally speaking, in the second example, links are selected based on the value calculated for each link. In the second example, it is assumed that the evaluation information D2 indicates the value calculated for each link.

In the second example, the value of each link is calculated using the traffic volume on the road associated with the link as an index. For example, using the traffic volume on the road associated with the link, the value of the demand for the link estimated from the traffic volume is calculated as the value. In this example, the higher the traffic volume, the higher the value calculated. Alternatively, the value of each link may be calculated using the number of users who have used the road associated with the link as an index. For example, by using the number of users who have used a road associated with a link, the amount of demand for the link estimated from the number of users may be calculated as the value. In this case, the higher the number of users who used the road associated with the link, the higher the value calculated. The higher the traffic volume or number of users, the higher the value calculated. This is because it is thought that the amount of traffic or the number of users reflects the magnitude of movement demand.

In step S311 of FIG. 5, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 specifies the value calculated for each link from the evaluation information D2 acquired in step S2 of FIG.

In step S312 of FIG. 5, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 compares the value specified in step S311 with the value threshold for each link. The value threshold is, for example, an arbitrary value set by a business operator. The control unit 21 performs the process of step S312 for each link. If it is determined that the value specified for a certain link is greater than or equal to the value threshold, the process of step S313 is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the value specified for a certain link is equal to or greater than the value threshold, the process of FIG. 5 ends for that link.

In step S313 of FIG. 5, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 selects the link whose value was determined to be equal to or greater than the value threshold in step S312. As an example, among the plurality of links L12, L13, L14, L15, L16, L2n, L36, L3n, L45, L4n, L56, L5n, and L6n shown in FIG. , L6n is greater than or equal to the value threshold. Therefore, the control unit 21 selects links L12, L13, L15, L16, L2n, L56, and L6n.

In this way, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 acquires information indicating the value calculated for each link as the evaluation information D2. The control unit 21 selects a link whose calculated value is greater than or equal to the value threshold value from among the plurality of links. According to this example, the service area in which the on-demand transportation subscription service is provided is appropriately determined from the viewpoint of value. Therefore, the technique for determining the service area is thus improved.

(Third example of selection process)
A third example of the selection process in step S3 described above will be described with reference to FIG. 6. Generally speaking, in the third example, links are selected based on the cost and value calculated for each link. In the third example, it is assumed that the evaluation information D2 indicates the cost and value calculated for each link. The control unit 21 selects, from among the plurality of links, a combination of links in which the sum of the costs calculated for each link is the maximum value within a range where the sum of the costs calculated for each link is equal to or less than the upper limit value. In the third example, it is assumed that the cost calculated for each link is calculated using the same procedure as in the first example. Further, it is assumed that the value calculated for each link is calculated using the same procedure as in the second example.

In step S321 of FIG. 6, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 specifies the cost and value calculated for each link from the evaluation information D2 acquired in step S2 of FIG.

In step S322 of FIG. 6, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 performs a combination optimization process using the cost and value specified in step S321. Specifically, the control unit 21 performs combinatorial optimization processing by solving a problem formulated using selected links, their values, and costs as elements. The combinatorial optimization process in this example is a question of which link should be included in the target area R2 to maximize potential needs when a certain limited area is selected as the target area R2. This problem can be formulated as a problem of finding a set of links for which the sum of link values is maximum, given the maximum value C of the sum of link costs. The control unit 21 performs combinatorial optimization processing by solving this problem. The combinatorial optimization process can be performed using any procedure, but in this example, it is performed using the following procedure.

In the first step of the combinatorial optimization process, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 specifies the node vi that is the starting point. Although the node vi can be arbitrarily configured, in this example, it is configured by a provider of an on-demand transportation subscription service. When a node vi is set up by a provider of an on-demand transportation subscription service, the provider can set up the node vi, for example, at the center point of a service area that it wants to set up as a range for providing the subscription service. For example, the provider performs an operation to select the node vi by touching a desired point on the map displayed on the screen on the touch screen as an input unit provided integrally with the display of the terminal device 30. . The terminal device 30 accepts this operation as an operation for setting the node vi. The terminal device 30 communicates with the information processing device 20 and transmits information indicating the set node vi to the information processing device 20. The control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 acquires the transmitted information by receiving the transmitted information via the communication unit 23, and specifies the node vi indicated by the acquired information. Alternatively, the node vi may be automatically determined by setting the point where the total number of users of link sets connected to a certain node is maximum as the node vi.

In the second step of the combinatorial optimization process, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 uses the graph structure of the road network in the search area R1 to determine the value of the link to be added and the cost of adding the link. , the maximum value C of the total cost of the added links, and the order constraint for connecting all the selected links, among the links connected to the node vi identified in the first step, the service target is selected. Find a connected link set E_best in which the total cost of the link set is within the maximum value C and the total value is the maximum value. Order constraints for connecting all the selected links are calculated from the graph structure of the road network. In this embodiment, the upper limit of the size of the target region R2 is the search region R1, but in this example, the maximum value C is set as the upper limit value of the cost of the target region R2. The maximum value C is set, for example, by the business operator. The combinatorial optimization process in this example is formulated, for example, as an order-constrained knapsack problem with the maximum value C of the total cost of a link set as a constraint, the sum of values as an objective function, and a set of links as a variable. It is assumed that The order constraint for all selected links to be connected means that unless a link near the center is selected, links farther away are not selected. Due to this order constraint, for example, links are selected in order from the link closest to the node vi as the center. As an example, assume that node N1 is identified as node vi in the example of FIG. The order constraint in this case means that node L6n, which is farther from node N1 than link L16, is not selected unless link L16, which is closer to node N1, is selected. By providing an order constraint, connected links are selected as a link set, so it is possible to prevent the target region R2 from being determined as two or more discontinuous regions. The control unit 21 obtains the connected link set E_best by solving a knapsack problem with order constraints.

In step S323 of FIG. 6, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 selects the link combination obtained as a result of the combination optimization process in step S322. As an example, assume that the connected link set E_best is determined in step S322. Also, among the plurality of links L12, L13, L14, L15, L16, L2n, L36, L3n, L45, L4n, L56, L5n, and L6n shown in FIG. , L16, L2n, L56, and L6n. Therefore, the control unit 21 selects links L12, L13, L15, L16, L2n, L56, and L6n as the combination of links calculated in step S322.

In this way, the control unit 21 of the information processing device 20 acquires information indicating the cost and value calculated for each link as the evaluation information D2. The control unit 21 selects, from among the plurality of links, a combination of links in which the sum of the costs calculated for each link is the maximum value within a range where the sum of the costs calculated for each link is equal to or less than the upper limit value. According to this example, it becomes easier to maximize the value of latent needs while minimizing the cost of introducing the service, so the service area in which to provide the on-demand transportation subscription service is determined more appropriately. Therefore, the technique for determining the service area is further improved.

The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, two or more blocks depicted in the block diagram may be combined, or one block may be divided. Instead of performing two or more steps described in a flowchart chronologically as described, they may also be performed in parallel or in a different order, depending on the processing power of the device performing each step or as necessary. good. Other changes are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

For example, the information processing device 20 may be configured integrally with the terminal device 30.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure will be illustrated below. However, it should be noted that embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.
[Additional note 1]
An information processing device that searches a predetermined search area to determine a target area for providing an on-demand transportation subscription service that dispatches a vehicle to a boarding point in response to a user's request, the information processing device comprising:
For each of the multiple links connecting multiple nodes included in the road network in the search area, evaluation information indicating the evaluation value calculated for each link is acquired, and based on the evaluation value indicated by the acquired evaluation information, An information processing device including a control unit that selects two or more links from a plurality of links and determines an area defined by a set of the selected two or more links as a target area.
[Additional note 2]
The control unit obtains information indicating the cost calculated for each link as evaluation information,
The information processing device according to supplementary note 1, wherein the control unit selects a link whose calculated cost is less than a cost threshold value from among the plurality of links.
[Additional note 3]
The information processing device according to appendix 1 or 2, wherein the cost is calculated using the length of the link as an index.
[Additional note 4]
The information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, wherein the cost is calculated using the width of the road associated with the link as an index.
[Additional note 5]
The control unit obtains information indicating the value calculated for each link as evaluation information,
The information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, wherein the control unit selects a link whose calculated value is equal to or greater than a value threshold value from among the plurality of links.
[Additional note 6]
The information processing device according to any one of appendices 1 to 5, wherein the value is calculated using a traffic volume on a road associated with the link as an index.
[Additional note 7]
The information processing device according to any one of appendices 1 to 5, wherein the value is calculated using the number of users who used the road associated with the link as an index.
[Additional note 8]
The control unit obtains information indicating the cost and value calculated for each link as evaluation information,
The control unit selects a combination of two or more links in which the sum of the values calculated for each link is the maximum value, among the plurality of links, within the range where the sum of the costs calculated for each link is less than or equal to the upper limit. The information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7, which is selected as a link.
[Additional note 9]
An information processing method for searching a predetermined search area to determine a target area for providing an on-demand transportation subscription service that dispatches a vehicle to a boarding point in response to a request from a user, the method comprising:
The control unit obtains evaluation information indicating an evaluation value calculated for each link for each of the plurality of links connecting the plurality of nodes included in the road network in the search area;
selecting two or more links from the plurality of links based on the evaluation value indicated by the acquired evaluation information by the control unit;
An information processing method including determining, by a control unit, an area defined by a selected set of two or more links as a target area.
[Additional note 10]
The obtaining includes obtaining information indicating a calculated cost for each link;
The information processing method according to appendix 9, wherein selecting includes selecting a link whose calculated cost is less than a cost threshold value from among the plurality of links.
[Additional note 11]
The information processing method according to appendix 9 or 10, wherein the cost is calculated using the length of the link as an index.
[Additional note 12]
The information processing method according to any one of appendices 9 to 11, wherein the cost is calculated using the width of the road associated with the link as an index.
[Additional note 13]
Obtaining includes obtaining information indicating a calculated value for each link,
The information processing method according to any one of appendices 9 to 12, wherein selecting includes selecting a link whose calculated value is equal to or greater than a value threshold value from among the plurality of links.
[Additional note 14]
The information processing method according to any one of appendices 9 to 13, wherein the value is calculated using the traffic volume on the road associated with the link as an index.
[Additional note 15]
The information processing method according to any one of appendices 9 to 14, wherein the value is calculated using the number of users who used the road associated with the link as an index.
[Additional note 16]
Obtaining includes obtaining information indicating the calculated cost and value for each link;
Selection means selecting the combination of links that maximizes the total value calculated for each link within the range where the total cost calculated for each link is less than or equal to the upper limit value from among multiple links. The information processing method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 9 to 15, including:
[Additional note 17]
A computer as an information processing device that searches a predetermined search area and determines a target area for providing an on-demand transportation subscription service that dispatches a vehicle to a boarding point in response to a user's request.
obtaining evaluation information indicating an evaluation value calculated for each link for each of a plurality of links connecting a plurality of nodes included in a road network in a search area;
selecting two or more links from the plurality of links based on the evaluation value indicated by the obtained evaluation information;
A program that executes an operation including determining an area defined by a set of two or more selected links as a target area.
[Additional note 18]
The obtaining includes obtaining information indicating a calculated cost for each link;
The program according to appendix 17, wherein selecting includes selecting a link whose calculated cost is less than a cost threshold from among the plurality of links.
[Additional note 19]
Obtaining includes obtaining information indicating a calculated value for each link,
The program according to attachment 17 or attachment 18, wherein selecting includes selecting a link whose calculated value is equal to or greater than a value threshold value from among the plurality of links.
[Additional note 20]
Obtaining includes obtaining information indicating the calculated cost and value for each link;
Selection means selecting the combination of links that maximizes the total value calculated for each link within the range where the total cost calculated for each link is less than or equal to the upper limit value from among multiple links. The program according to any one of Supplementary Notes 17 to 19, including:

10 System 20 Information processing device 21 Control unit 22 Storage unit 23 Communication unit 30 Terminal device 40 Network R1 Search area R2 Target area N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, N6 Node L12, L13, L14, L15, L16, L2n, L36, L3n, L45, L4n, L56, L5n, L6n Link

Claims (20)

An information processing device that searches a preset search area to determine a target area for providing an on-demand transportation subscription service that dispatches a vehicle to a boarding point in response to a user's request, the information processing device comprising:
For each of a plurality of links connecting a plurality of nodes included in a road network in the search area, evaluation information indicating an evaluation value calculated for each link is obtained, and based on the evaluation value indicated by the obtained evaluation information. , an information processing apparatus comprising a control unit that selects two or more links from the plurality of links and determines an area defined by a set of the selected two or more links as the target area. The control unit obtains information indicating a cost calculated for each link as the evaluation information,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit selects a link whose calculated cost is less than a cost threshold from among the plurality of links. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the cost is calculated using a link length as an index. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the cost is calculated using the width of the road associated with the link as an index. The control unit obtains information indicating a value calculated for each link as the evaluation information,
The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit selects a link whose calculated value is equal to or greater than a value threshold from among the plurality of links. The information processing device according to claim 5, wherein the value is calculated using a traffic volume on a road associated with a link as an index. The information processing device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the value is calculated using the number of users who used the road associated with the link as an index. The control unit acquires information indicating cost and value calculated for each link as the evaluation information,
The control unit selects, among the plurality of links, a combination of links in which the total value calculated for each link is the maximum value within a range where the total cost calculated for each link is equal to or less than the upper limit value. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device is selected as one or more links. An information processing method that searches a preset search area to determine a target area for providing an on-demand transportation subscription service that dispatches a vehicle to a boarding point in response to a request from a user, the method comprising:
acquiring evaluation information indicating an evaluation value calculated for each link, by the control unit, for each of the plurality of links connecting the plurality of nodes included in the road network in the search area;
Selecting two or more links from the plurality of links based on the evaluation value indicated by the obtained evaluation information by the control unit;
An information processing method comprising: determining, by the control unit, an area defined by a selected set of two or more links as the target area. The obtaining includes obtaining information indicating a cost calculated for each link,
The information processing method according to claim 9, wherein the selecting includes selecting a link whose calculated cost is less than a cost threshold value from among the plurality of links. The information processing method according to claim 10, wherein the cost is calculated using a link length as an index. The information processing method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the cost is calculated using the width of the road associated with the link as an index. The obtaining includes obtaining information indicating a value calculated for each link,
The information processing method according to claim 9, wherein the selecting includes selecting a link whose calculated value is greater than or equal to a value threshold value from among the plurality of links. 14. The information processing method according to claim 13, wherein the value is calculated using a traffic volume on a road associated with a link as an index. The information processing method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the value is calculated using the number of users who used the road associated with the link as an index. The obtaining includes obtaining information indicating a cost and value calculated for each link,
The selection means selecting a combination of links that maximizes the total value calculated for each link within the range where the total cost calculated for each link is less than or equal to the upper limit value from among the plurality of links. The information processing method according to claim 9, comprising: A computer as an information processing device that searches a preset search area and determines a target area for providing an on-demand transportation subscription service that dispatches a vehicle to a boarding point in response to a request from a user;
acquiring evaluation information indicating an evaluation value calculated for each link for each of a plurality of links connecting a plurality of nodes included in a road network in the search area;
selecting two or more links from the plurality of links based on the evaluation value indicated by the obtained evaluation information;
A program for executing an operation including determining an area defined by a set of two or more selected links as the target area. The obtaining includes obtaining information indicating a cost calculated for each link,
The program according to claim 17, wherein the selecting includes selecting a link whose calculated cost is less than a cost threshold from among the plurality of links. The obtaining includes obtaining information indicating a value calculated for each link,
18. The program according to claim 17, wherein the selecting includes selecting a link whose calculated value is greater than or equal to a value threshold value from among the plurality of links. The obtaining includes obtaining information indicating a cost and value calculated for each link,
The selection means selecting a combination of links that maximizes the total value calculated for each link within the range where the total cost calculated for each link is less than or equal to the upper limit value from among the plurality of links. 18. The program according to claim 17, comprising:

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