JP7592504B2 - Vehicle control device, information processing system, and vehicle control method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a vehicle control device, an information processing system, and a vehicle control method.

Conventionally, control devices for vehicles that run by connecting a vehicle portion equipped with a drive source such as an engine to a loading platform portion on which luggage and the like are loaded are widely known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2018-158673 A

In recent years, articulated vehicles have been proposed in which a cabin section with a passenger compartment and a base vehicle section with a drive source are separate, and the cabin section and base vehicle section are appropriately combined and connected depending on the user's application. For example, there are cabin sections for various purposes, such as for transporting passengers and for mobile sales of goods, and articulated vehicles are vehicles in which a cabin section selected depending on the user's application and a base vehicle section are connected.

Conventional technology has room for improvement in terms of appropriately controlling combined vehicles such as those described above in accordance with the combined cabin section and base vehicle section.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a vehicle control device, information processing system, and vehicle control method that can appropriately control a combination vehicle in accordance with the combination cabin section and base vehicle section.

In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides a vehicle control device for a combination vehicle having a cabin section and a base vehicle section connectable to the cabin section, the vehicle control device including an acquisition section and a generation section. The acquisition section acquires cabin information related to the cabin section and base vehicle information related to the base vehicle section. The generation section generates combination vehicle information related to the combination vehicle based on the cabin information and the base vehicle information acquired by the acquisition section.

According to the present invention, a combination vehicle can be appropriately controlled in accordance with the combination cabin section and base vehicle section.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a vehicle control method according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of cabin information. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the base vehicle unit. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining measurement of the size of the cabin portion. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the base vehicle information. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the detected cabin information. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the articulated vehicle information. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a navigation device. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the proper driving information. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing device. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of application information. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the control information. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing sequence executed by the information processing system according to the embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an outline of a vehicle control method by a vehicle control device according to a modified example. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of cabin information according to the modified example. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of cabin information according to the modified example.

Embodiments of the vehicle control device, information processing system, and vehicle control method disclosed in the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

<Outline of control method by vehicle control device>
First, an overview of a control method by a vehicle control device according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the vehicle control method according to an embodiment.

The vehicle control method according to the embodiment is executed, for example, by a vehicle control device 30. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle control device 30 is mounted on a connected vehicle C.

The combination vehicle C includes a cabin section 10 and a base vehicle section 20. The cabin section 10 and the base vehicle section 20 are configured to be connectable. Note that in FIG. 1, the combination vehicle C before the cabin section 10 and the base vehicle section 20 are connected is shown in the upper part, and the combination vehicle C after the cabin section 10 and the base vehicle section 20 are connected is shown in the lower part.

The cabin section 10 has a vehicle compartment 10a and can accommodate passengers. Although only one cabin section 10 is shown in FIG. 1, there are multiple types of cabin sections 10 for different purposes. For example, there are cabin sections 10 suitable for various purposes, such as passenger seating, transporting passengers and cargo, mobile sales of goods, a mobile kitchen, and a mobile conference space. The cabin section 10 selected according to the user's purpose is then connected to the base vehicle section 20.

The base vehicle section 20 is equipped with a drive source and can drive the coupled vehicle C. Note that, like the cabin section 10, there may be multiple types of base vehicle section 20. That is, for example, there may be a base vehicle section 20 equipped with an engine as a drive source, a base vehicle section 20 equipped with an electric motor or the like as a drive source, a base vehicle section 20 with large tire size, etc. Then, the base vehicle section 20 selected according to the user's application is coupled to the cabin section 10.

The base vehicle section 20 is equipped with a vehicle control device 30 as described above. The vehicle control device 30 can control the connected vehicle C.

However, for example, the specifications, size, weight, etc. of the cabin portion 10 differ depending on the type of cabin portion 10. Therefore, in the vehicle control device 30, unless the control information related to the control of the linked vehicle C, such as the control software, is changed to control information according to the specifications, etc. of the linked cabin portion 10, there is a risk that the linked vehicle C cannot be controlled appropriately.

Therefore, the vehicle control method according to this embodiment is designed to appropriately control the connected vehicle C in accordance with the connected cabin section 10 and base vehicle section 20.

Specifically, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 1, when the cabin section 10 and the base vehicle section 20 are connected, the vehicle control device 30 first acquires cabin information related to the cabin section 10 (step S1). For example, the vehicle control device 30 reads and acquires cabin information pre-stored in the memory section 11 (see FIG. 2 described later) provided in the cabin section 10. The cabin information includes cabin size information, cabin weight information, and usage information (specification information) of the cabin section 10.

Next, the vehicle control device 30 acquires base vehicle information related to the base vehicle section 20 (step S2). For example, the vehicle control device 30 reads and acquires the base vehicle information pre-stored in the memory unit 33 (see FIG. 4 described later). The base vehicle information includes base vehicle size information and base vehicle weight information of the base vehicle section 20, specification information of the vehicle control device 30, etc.

Next, the vehicle control device 30 generates coupled vehicle information for the coupled vehicle C based on the cabin information and the base vehicle information (step S3). More specifically, the vehicle control device 30 generates the coupled vehicle information by combining (joining) the cabin information and the base vehicle information.

The combined vehicle information includes combined vehicle size information, combined vehicle weight information, cabin section 10 use information, and vehicle control device 30 specification information. The combined vehicle size information is a combination of cabin size information and base vehicle size information. The combined vehicle weight information is a combination of cabin weight information and base vehicle weight information.

In this way, the vehicle control device 30 according to this embodiment acquires cabin information from the coupled cabin section 10, acquires base vehicle information from the coupled base vehicle section 20, and generates coupled vehicle information by combining the cabin information and base vehicle information. This allows the vehicle control device 30 to generate accurate coupled vehicle information that is in line with the coupled cabin section 10 and base vehicle section 20, and makes it possible to appropriately control the coupled vehicle C using the generated coupled vehicle information.

Specifically, the vehicle control device 30 transmits the coupled vehicle information to the information processing device 50 (step S4). The information processing device 50 is a server that is communicatively connected to the vehicle control device 30 and is capable of transmitting (distributing) control information of the coupled vehicle C. Note that the information processing device 50 may be realized as, for example, a cloud server, or may perform distributed processing using multiple servers.

Then, the vehicle control device 30 acquires control information (e.g., control software) related to the control of the combined vehicle C according to the combined vehicle information from the information processing device 50 (step S5), and controls the combined vehicle C using the acquired control information.

In this manner, in this embodiment, the connected vehicle C can be appropriately controlled by using appropriate control information that is in accordance with the connected cabin section 10 and base vehicle section 20.

In addition, if the above-mentioned control information is changed by an operator every time the combination of the cabin section 10 and the base vehicle section 20 is changed, for example, there is a risk of an increase in labor hours. In this embodiment, as described above, the coupled vehicle information is sent to the information processing device 50, and control information corresponding to the coupled vehicle information is obtained from the information processing device 50 and used, thereby eliminating the need for an operator to make changes and reducing labor hours.

<Information processing system including a vehicle control device>
Next, a configuration of an information processing system including the vehicle control device 30 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system 1 including the vehicle control device 30.

As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing system 1 includes a combination vehicle C equipped with the vehicle control device 30 described above, an information processing device 50, an application destination terminal device 60, a user terminal device 70, and a business operator terminal device 80, which are communicatively connected via a communication network N such as the Internet.

The combination vehicle C includes a cabin section 10, a base vehicle section 20, and a navigation device 40. The cabin section 10 includes the above-mentioned memory section 11. The memory section 11 is a memory section that is configured with a memory device such as an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, a non-volatile memory, a data flash, or a hard disk drive. The memory section 11 stores cabin information 11a and the like.

The cabin information 11a is information related to the cabin section 10 and is pre-stored (registered) in the storage section 11. The cabin information 11a is an example of first cabin information.

Here, cabin information 11a will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of cabin information 11a. As shown in FIG. 3, cabin information 11a includes items such as "cabin ID," "cabin size," "cabin weight," and "purpose," and each item is associated with each other.

"Cabin ID" is identification information that identifies cabin information. "Cabin size" is cabin size information that indicates the size of the cabin section 10. Cabin size information includes information that indicates the external dimensions of the cabin section 10, such as the length, width, and height. Note that in the example shown in FIG. 3, for convenience, "cabin size" is described abstractly as "cabin size E1", but specific information is stored in "cabin size E1". Below, other information may also be described abstractly.

"Cabin weight" is cabin weight information indicating the weight of the cabin portion 10. "Use" is use information (specification information) indicating the use of the cabin portion 10. As described above, use information includes information indicating uses such as passenger seating, transporting passengers or cargo, mobile sales of goods, a mobile kitchen, and a mobile conference space. Note that the specific uses described above are merely examples and are not limiting.

In the example shown in Figure 3, the cabin information identified by cabin ID "D01" indicates that the cabin size is "cabin size E1", the cabin weight is "cabin weight F1", and the purpose is "purpose G1".

Next, the base vehicle unit 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 4 and other figures. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the base vehicle unit 20. Note that in each block diagram including FIG. 4, only the components necessary to explain the features of this embodiment are shown as functional blocks, and descriptions of general components are omitted.

In other words, each component shown in a block diagram such as FIG. 4 is a functional concept, and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. For example, the specific form of distribution and integration of each functional block is not limited to that shown, and all or part of it can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc.

As shown in FIG. 4, the base vehicle section 20 includes a cabin size sensor 21, a cabin weight sensor 22, and a vehicle control device 30.

The cabin size sensor 21 is a sensor that measures the actual size of the cabin portion 10. The cabin size sensor 21 may be, for example, a distance sensor or a distance measuring device using UWB (Ultra Wide Band), but is not limited to these.

Here, the measurement of the actual size of the cabin section 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the measurement of the size of the cabin section 10. As shown in FIG. 5, a cabin size sensor 21 is mounted on the base vehicle section 20, and measurement points 21a are provided on the cabin section 10. The measurement points 21a are provided in a total of eight locations, for example, at the four corners of one side surface 10b of the cabin section 10 and at the four corners of the other side surface (not visible in FIG. 5). The measurement points 21a are reading points (or communication devices) corresponding to the cabin size sensor 21, and the locations at which they are provided can be set arbitrarily.

The cabin size sensor 21 can analyze the distance from the cabin size sensor 21 to each measurement point 21a obtained by scanning the measurement points 21a, and measure the actual size of the cabin section 10 (i.e., the external dimensions of the cabin section 10, such as length, width, and height). The cabin size sensor 21 can output information indicating the measured actual size of the cabin section 10 to the vehicle control device 30.

Continuing with the explanation of Figure 4, the cabin weight sensor 22 is a sensor that measures the actual weight of the cabin section 10. The cabin weight sensor 22 is installed at an appropriate position on the base vehicle section 20 and measures the weight of the connected cabin section 10. The cabin weight sensor 22 can output information indicating the measured actual weight of the cabin section 10 to the vehicle control device 30.

The vehicle control device 30 includes a communication unit 31, a control unit 32, and a storage unit 33. The communication unit 31 is a communication interface that is connected to the communication network N for two-way communication, and transmits and receives information between the information processing device 50, the application destination terminal device 60, the user terminal device 70, the business operator terminal device 80, and the like. The communication unit 31 also transmits and receives information between the storage unit 11 of the cabin unit 10 and the navigation device 40 by wired communication such as CAN (Controller Area Network), or wireless communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or UWB.

The control unit 32 includes an acquisition unit 32a, a comparison unit 32b, a generation unit 32c, a transmission unit 32d, and a vehicle control unit 32e, and includes, for example, a computer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), input/output ports, and various other circuits.

The computer's CPU functions as the acquisition unit 32a, comparison unit 32b, generation unit 32c, transmission unit 32d, and vehicle control unit 32e of the control unit 32, for example, by reading and executing a program stored in the ROM.

In addition, at least some or all of the acquisition unit 32a, comparison unit 32b, generation unit 32c, transmission unit 32d, and vehicle control unit 32e of the control unit 32 can be configured with hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

The storage unit 33 is configured with storage devices such as non-volatile memory, data flash, and hard disk drives. The storage unit 33 stores base vehicle information 33a, cabin information 33b, detected cabin information 33c, connected vehicle information 33d, and various programs.

The base vehicle information 33a is information related to the base vehicle section 20, and is stored (registered) in advance in the storage section 33. Here, the base vehicle information 33a will be explained using FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the base vehicle information 33a.

As shown in FIG. 6, the base vehicle information 33a includes items such as "base vehicle ID," "base vehicle size," "base vehicle weight," and "EUC product number," and each item is associated with each other.

"Base vehicle ID" is identification information that identifies the base vehicle information. "Base vehicle size" is base vehicle size information that indicates the size of the base vehicle section 20. The base vehicle size information includes information that indicates the external dimensions of the base vehicle section 20, such as the length, width, and height. "Base vehicle weight" is base vehicle weight information that indicates the weight of the base vehicle section 20.

The "ECU part number" is information indicating a unique number assigned to the ECU (Electronic Control Unit), such as the manufacturing number or model number of the ECU used to control the coupled vehicle C. There are multiple types of ECUs, such as ECUs for drive sources such as engines and electric motors, ECUs for batteries, and ECUs for on-board equipment such as wipers and lamps. In FIG. 6, these ECUs are shown as "first ECU" and "second ECU." The "ECU part number" is an example of specification information for the vehicle control device 30.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, the base vehicle information identified by the base vehicle ID "J01" indicates that the base vehicle size is "base vehicle size K1", the base vehicle weight is "base vehicle weight L1", the part number of the first ECU is "part number M1", and the part number of the second ECU is "part number M2".

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 4, cabin information 33b is information about the cabin section 10 acquired from the cabin section 10. Since cabin information 33b is the same information as cabin information 11a of the cabin section 10 described above, explanation of it will be omitted here (see FIG. 3). Note that cabin information 33b is an example of first cabin information.

The detected cabin information 33c is cabin information about the cabin section 10 that is detected from the actual cabin section 10. The detected cabin information 33c is an example of second cabin information.

Here, the detected cabin information 33c will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the detected cabin information 33c. As shown in FIG. 7, the detected cabin information 33c includes items such as "detection ID," "detected cabin size," and "detected cabin weight," and each item is associated with each other.

The "detection ID" is identification information that identifies the detected cabin information. The "detected cabin size" is detected cabin size information that indicates the actual size of the cabin section 10. The detected cabin size information includes information that indicates the external dimensions of the cabin section 10 detected by the cabin size sensor 21 described above.

"Detected cabin weight" is detected cabin weight information indicating the actual weight of the cabin section 10. The detected cabin weight information includes information indicating the weight of the cabin section 10 detected by the cabin weight sensor 22 described above.

In the example shown in Figure 7, the detected cabin information identified by the detection ID "N01" indicates that the detected cabin size is "cabin size P1" and the detected cabin weight is "cabin weight Q1."

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 4, the coupled vehicle information 33d is information relating to the coupled vehicle C, more specifically, information relating to the coupled vehicle C in which the cabin section 10 and the base vehicle section 20 are coupled. Here, the coupled vehicle information 33d will be explained using FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the coupled vehicle information 33d.

As shown in FIG. 8, the articulated vehicle information 33d includes items such as "articulated vehicle ID," "articulated vehicle size," "articulated vehicle weight," "purpose," and "EUC product number," and each item is associated with each other.

"Combined vehicle ID" is identification information that identifies the combined vehicle information. "Combined vehicle size" is combined vehicle size information that indicates the size of combined vehicle C. Combined vehicle size information includes information that indicates the external dimensions of combined vehicle C, such as length, width, and height. "Combined vehicle weight" is combined vehicle weight information that indicates the weight of combined vehicle C.

"Use" is use information (specification information) that indicates the use of the connected cabin section 10, and is the same information as "Use" in the cabin information 11a (33b) shown in FIG. 3. "ECU part number" is the same information as "ECU part number" in the base vehicle information 33a shown in FIG. 6.

In the example shown in FIG. 8, the combined vehicle information identified by the combined vehicle ID "R01" indicates that the combined vehicle size is "combined vehicle size S1", the combined vehicle weight is "combined vehicle weight T1", the purpose is "purpose G1", the part number of the first ECU is "part number M1", and the part number of the second ECU is "part number M2".

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 4, the acquisition unit 32a of the control unit 32 acquires various pieces of information via the communication unit 31. For example, the acquisition unit 32a reads and acquires cabin information from the memory unit 11 (see FIG. 2) of the connected cabin unit 10. The acquisition unit 32a registers the acquired information in the memory unit 33 as cabin information 33b. The acquisition unit 32a can then output the cabin information 33b in the memory unit 33 to the comparison unit 32b and the generation unit 32c.

The acquisition unit 32a also acquires cabin information detected from the actual cabin section 10. For example, the acquisition unit 32a acquires information indicating the size of the actual cabin section 10 from the cabin size sensor 21, and registers the acquired information in the memory section 33 as detected cabin information 33c. The acquisition unit 32a also acquires information indicating the actual weight of the cabin section 10 from the cabin weight sensor 22, and registers the acquired information in the memory section 33 as detected cabin information 33c. The acquisition unit 32a can then output the detected cabin information 33c of the memory section 33 to the comparison unit 32b.

The acquisition unit 32a also reads and acquires the base vehicle information 33a from the storage unit 33. The acquisition unit 32a can then output the acquired base vehicle information 33a to the generation unit 32c.

The acquisition unit 32a can also acquire (receive) control information related to the control of the coupled vehicle C, such as control software, from the information processing device 50. The acquisition unit 32a can output the acquired control information to the vehicle control unit 32e. The vehicle control unit 32e can use the control information to appropriately control the coupled vehicle C, which will be described later.

The comparison unit 32b compares the cabin information 33b (see FIG. 3; first cabin information) with the detected cabin information 33c (see FIG. 7; second cabin information). This makes it possible to determine whether the connected cabin section 10 is, for example, an unauthorized cabin section.

In other words, the cabin information 33b is information that is stored in advance in the memory unit 11 (see FIG. 2) when the cabin unit 10 is manufactured, and therefore includes information indicating the exact size and weight of the cabin unit 10. Here, for example, if the cabin unit 10 is illegally modified, the size and weight of the cabin unit 10 will change from the values at the time of manufacture.

The comparison unit 32b therefore compares the cabin information 33b with the detected cabin information 33c detected from the actual cabin portion 10, and if the size and weight in the cabin information 33b do not match the size and weight in the detected cabin information 33c, it can determine that the connected cabin portion 10 is an unauthorized cabin portion. Conversely, if the size and weight in the cabin information 33b match the size and weight in the detected cabin information 33c, it can determine that the connected cabin portion 10 is a legitimate cabin portion. Note that the above-mentioned "match" does not need to be a perfect match, and may be within an arbitrarily set tolerance range, for example.

The comparison unit 32b can output the comparison result between the cabin information 33b and the detected cabin information 33c to the generation unit 32c and the vehicle control unit 32e.

The generation unit 32c generates combination vehicle information for the combination vehicle C based on the cabin information and the base vehicle information.

The generating unit 32c may generate the concatenated vehicle information according to the comparison result of the comparing unit 32b. For example, the generating unit 32c may generate the concatenated vehicle information when a comparison result indicating that the cabin information 33b and the detected cabin information 33c match is input from the comparing unit 32b. Conversely, the generating unit 32c may not generate the concatenated vehicle information (may prohibit the generation of the concatenated vehicle information) when a comparison result indicating that the cabin information 33b and the detected cabin information 33c do not match is input from the comparing unit 32b.

To explain in detail how the coupled vehicle information is generated, the generation unit 32c generates the coupled vehicle information by combining (joining) the cabin information 33b and the base vehicle information 33a. The generation unit 32c registers the generated information in the storage unit 33 as coupled vehicle information 33d (see FIG. 8).

In detail, the generation unit 32c calculates the combined vehicle size information by combining the cabin size information in the cabin information 33b and the base vehicle size information in the base vehicle information 33a. The generation unit 32c also calculates the combined vehicle weight information by combining the cabin weight information in the cabin information 33b and the base vehicle weight information in the base vehicle information 33a.

Then, the generation unit 32c adds the intended use information from the cabin information 33b and the ECU product number information (specification information of the vehicle control device 30) from the base vehicle information 33a to the calculated combined vehicle size information and combined vehicle weight information to generate combined vehicle information.

By being configured as described above, the generation unit 32c can generate accurate connected vehicle information that is in accordance with the connected cabin unit 10 and base vehicle unit 20.

In the above description, cabin information 33b is used to generate connected vehicle information, but this is not limited to this, and for example, detected cabin information 33c may be used.

The transmission unit 32d transmits the connected vehicle information generated by the generation unit 32c. For example, the transmission unit 32d can read the connected vehicle information 33d from the storage unit 33 and transmit the read information to the information processing device 50 and the navigation device 40.

As described below, when the information processing device 50 receives the coupled vehicle information, it performs application processing (e.g., vehicle registration) for the coupled vehicle C based on the coupled vehicle information, and if the application is approved, it transmits control information for controlling the coupled vehicle C according to the coupled vehicle information to the vehicle control device 30. The control information transmitted from the vehicle control device 30 is acquired by the acquisition unit 32a as described above, and is output to the vehicle control unit 32e.

The vehicle control unit 32e controls the coupled vehicle C. For example, the vehicle control unit 32e installs the input control information in the storage unit 33 or the like, and controls the coupled vehicle C based on the control information. In detail, the vehicle control unit 32e controls the drive source, battery, and on-board equipment (e.g., wipers, lamps, etc.) of the coupled vehicle C based on the control information.

This allows the vehicle control unit 32e to use appropriate control information that is appropriate for the connected cabin unit 10 and base vehicle unit 20, allowing the connected vehicle C to be appropriately controlled.

When the vehicle control unit 32e installs the input control information, it may send a completion notification indicating that the change to the control information has been completed to the operator terminal device 80 (described later) or the like.

The vehicle control unit 32e may also control the combined vehicle C according to the comparison result from the comparison unit 32b. For example, the vehicle control unit 32e may control the combined vehicle C to travel only when a comparison result indicating that the cabin information 33b and the detected cabin information 33c match is input from the comparison unit 32b.

In other words, when a comparison result indicating that the cabin information 33b and the detected cabin information 33c do not match is input from the comparison unit 32b, the vehicle control unit 32e may execute control to prohibit the combination vehicle C from traveling, i.e., may not allow the combination vehicle C to travel.

This makes it possible to prevent a combination vehicle C equipped with an unauthorized cabin section 10 from traveling if, for example, an unauthorized cabin section 10 is connected to the base vehicle section 20.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 2, the navigation device 40 is mounted on the articulated vehicle C. The navigation device 40 can, for example, search for a route to a destination and provide route guidance. Here, the navigation device 40 will be explained in detail with reference to FIG. 9.

Figure 9 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a navigation device 40. As shown in Figure 9, the navigation device 40 includes an input unit 41, an output unit 42, and a control device 43.

The input unit 41 is operated, for example, when the user desires route guidance, and a request for route guidance is input. As an example, the input unit 41 receives destination information indicating a destination through a user's operation, and the destination information is output to the control device 43.

The input unit 41 is, for example, a display unit such as a touch panel display, and a request for route guidance is input by the user touching the display unit, but is not limited to this. That is, the input unit 41 may be a voice input device such as a microphone, and may be configured to output a signal indicating the request for route guidance to the control device 43 when, for example, a voice requesting route guidance is input from the user.

The output unit 42 outputs various information including the searched route to the destination. For example, the output unit 42 includes a display unit such as a display and an audio output unit such as a speaker, and outputs route guidance information indicating the searched route. The output unit 42 can also output proper driving information indicating the proper driving method for the combined vehicle C, which will be described later. Note that if the input unit 41 is a touch panel display, the input unit 41 may function as the output unit 42.

The control device 43 includes a communication unit 44, a control unit 45, and a storage unit 46. The communication unit 44 is a communication interface that is connected to the communication network N for two-way communication, and transmits and receives information between the information processing device 50, the application destination terminal device 60, the user terminal device 70, the business operator terminal device 80, etc. The communication unit 44 also transmits and receives information between the vehicle control device 30 by wired communication such as CAN, or wireless communication such as NFC or UWB.

The control unit 45 includes a receiving unit 45a, a notification unit 45b, and a guidance unit 45c, and includes, for example, a computer having a CPU, ROM, RAM, input/output ports, etc., and various circuits.

The computer's CPU functions as the receiving unit 45a, the notifying unit 45b, and the guidance unit 45c of the control unit 45, for example, by reading and executing a program stored in the ROM.

In addition, at least some or all of the receiving unit 45a, the notification unit 45b, and the guidance unit 45c of the control unit 45 can be configured with hardware such as an ASIC or FPGA.

The storage unit 46 is configured with a storage device such as a non-volatile memory, a data flash, or a hard disk drive. The storage unit 46 stores appropriate driving information 46a, map information 46b, various programs, and the like.

The appropriate driving information 46a is information that indicates the appropriate driving method for the combination vehicle C. To explain in more detail, as described above, the combination vehicle C is a vehicle in which the cabin section 10 and the base vehicle section 20 selected according to the user's application are combined. Therefore, the size and weight of the combination vehicle C vary depending on the type of the cabin section 10 and the base vehicle section 20 that are combined. In addition, the behavior of the combination vehicle C while traveling is easily affected by its size and weight.

Therefore, in this embodiment, information indicating an appropriate driving method (appropriate driving information 46a) corresponding to the information on the combined vehicle size and combined vehicle weight included in the combined vehicle information is notified to the user (e.g., the driver) of the combined vehicle C.

Here, the proper driving information 46a will be described with reference to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the proper driving information 46a. As shown in FIG. 10, the proper driving information 46a includes items such as "proper driving ID," "connected vehicle ID," and "proper driving information," and each item is associated with each other.

The "proper driving ID" is identification information that identifies the proper driving information. The "connected vehicle ID" is identification information that identifies the connected vehicle information. The "connected vehicle ID" is associated with various information (e.g., connected vehicle size information, connected vehicle weight information, etc.) included in the connected vehicle information identified by the identification information.

"Proper driving information" is information that indicates the proper driving method for the combined vehicle C. "Proper driving information" includes, for example, the appropriate speed and maximum limit speed of the combined vehicle C, the maximum limit speed when cornering, the maximum limit steering angle, etc., but these are merely examples and are not limited to these.

In the example shown in FIG. 10, the proper driving ID "U01" indicates that when connected vehicle information identified by the connected vehicle ID "R01" is transmitted, the proper driving information "driving information V1" is notified.

Returning to the explanation of Figure 9, map information 46b is map information used for navigation.

The receiver 45a of the control unit 45 receives the connected vehicle information transmitted from the vehicle control device 30. The receiver 45a outputs the received connected vehicle information to the notification unit 45b and the guidance unit 45c.

The notification unit 45b notifies the user (e.g., the driver) of information indicating a proper driving method for the combination vehicle C based on the input combination vehicle information and the proper driving information 46a in the memory unit 46. For example, the notification unit 45b notifies the user (e.g., the driver) of proper driving information for the combination vehicle C via the output unit 42 based on combination vehicle size information and combination vehicle weight information included in the combination vehicle information.

As a result, the output unit 42 displays, for example, the appropriate speed and maximum limit speed of the combined vehicle C, the maximum limit speed when cornering, the maximum limit steering angle, and the like. Therefore, the user (driver) can check the appropriate driving information and drive the combined vehicle C appropriately.

In addition, for example, when the combined vehicle C is traveling, if the combined vehicle C exceeds the above-mentioned maximum limit speed or maximum limit steering angle, the notification unit 45b may output, for example, a warning sound via the output unit 42. This makes it possible to urge, for example, the user, the driver, to set the speed or steering angle of the combined vehicle C to below the maximum limit speed or maximum limit steering angle.

The guidance unit 45c searches for a route to the destination and provides route guidance. For example, the guidance unit 45c searches for a route to the destination based on the destination information input by the user and the map information 46b in the memory unit 46, outputs the searched route via the output unit 42, and provides route guidance.

For example, the guidance unit 45c may search for a route according to the articulated vehicle information and provide route guidance. This allows the guidance unit 45c to provide guidance on an appropriate route suited to the articulated vehicle C.

To explain in more detail, as described above, the size and weight of the combination vehicle C will vary depending on the type of cabin section 10 and base vehicle section 20 that are connected. Therefore, the roads on which the combination vehicle C can travel may change depending on, for example, road width, height restrictions on tunnels, and weight restrictions.

In this embodiment, therefore, routes on which the combined vehicle C can travel are searched for and route guidance is provided based on the combined vehicle size information and combined vehicle weight information included in the combined vehicle information and the map information 46b in the memory unit 46. This makes it possible to provide guidance on an appropriate route suited to the combined vehicle C.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 2, as described above, the information processing device 50 can transmit control information for the combination vehicle C and perform application processing related to the combination vehicle C. Here, the information processing device 50 will be explained with reference to FIG. 11.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an information processing device 50. As shown in FIG. 11, the information processing device 50 includes a communication unit 51, a control unit 52, and a storage unit 53.

The communication unit 51 is a communication interface that is connected to the communication network N for two-way communication, and transmits and receives information between the vehicle control device 30, the navigation device 40, the application destination terminal device 60, the user terminal device 70, the business operator terminal device 80, etc.

The control unit 52 includes a receiving unit 52a, an application unit 52b, and a transmitting unit 52c, and includes, for example, a computer having a CPU, ROM, RAM, input/output ports, etc., and various circuits.

The computer's CPU functions as the receiving unit 52a, application unit 52b, and transmitting unit 52c of the control unit 52, for example, by reading and executing a program stored in the ROM.

In addition, at least some or all of the receiving unit 52a, application unit 52b, and transmitting unit 52c of the control unit 52 can be configured with hardware such as an ASIC or FPGA.

The storage unit 53 is configured with a storage device such as a non-volatile memory, a data flash, or a hard disk drive. The storage unit 53 stores application information 53a, control information 53b, various programs, and the like.

The application information 53a is information indicating the contents of an application for the combination vehicle C. The application information 53a includes information necessary for an application such as vehicle registration of the combination vehicle C, and the application information 53a is transmitted to the application destination terminal device 60 as described below. Here, the application information 53a will be explained using FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the application information 53a.

As shown in FIG. 12, application information 53a includes items such as "application ID," "combined vehicle size," "combined vehicle weight," "purpose," and "urgency," and each item is associated with each other.

The "Application ID" is identification information that identifies the application information. The "Combined vehicle size", "Combined vehicle weight", and "Purpose" are the same information as the combined vehicle size information, combined vehicle weight information, and purpose information contained in the combined vehicle information.

"Emergency" is information that indicates the urgency of the connected vehicle C. Such "urgency" is information that is used as a criterion in the process of determining whether or not to grant an application.

In more detail, the application destination terminal device 60 (see FIG. 2), which will be described later, judges whether to approve an application for vehicle registration of a combined vehicle C, for example, based on the combined vehicle information included in the application information. For example, the application destination terminal device 60 judges to approve the application if the combined vehicle information, such as combined vehicle size, combined vehicle weight, and use information, meets predetermined approval conditions.

In this case, even if the combination vehicle information does not meet the permission conditions under normal circumstances when no disaster has occurred, it may be permitted as an exception in the event of an emergency such as a disaster or emergency. As an example, when an application is made for a combination vehicle C with a large cabin section 10 that does not meet the permission conditions under normal circumstances in order to transport as many victims and rescuers as possible during a disaster, the application destination terminal device 60 can make a decision to grant permission as an exception if the application information 53a includes information indicating the urgency of the combination vehicle C.

At this time, the application destination terminal device 60 may make a decision to grant permission under certain conditions. That is, the application destination terminal device 60 may, for example, set a speed limit for driving and make a decision to grant permission on the condition that the connected vehicle C drives at a low speed.

In the example shown in FIG. 12, the application information identified by the application ID "W01" indicates that the combined vehicle size is "combined vehicle size S1", the combined vehicle weight is "combined vehicle weight T1", the purpose is "purpose G1", and the urgency is "none".

When the application information 53a includes information indicating the urgency of the combined vehicle C, such as "disaster," the "urgency" item may include information on "disaster," for example, as shown in parentheses in FIG. 12. The "urgency" item may also include an index value indicating the degree of urgency of the combined vehicle C, such as an urgency level, and the determination process may be performed based on the urgency level.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 11, control information 53b is information about the control information of the coupled vehicle C to be transmitted to the vehicle control device 30. For example, control information 53b is information about control information suitable for the coupled vehicle information transmitted from the vehicle control device 30.

Here, the control information 53b will be described with reference to FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the control information 53b. As shown in FIG. 13, the control information 53b includes items such as "control ID", "connected vehicle ID", and "control information", and each item is associated with each other.

"Control ID" is identification information that identifies the control information to be transmitted. "Connected vehicle ID" is identification information that identifies connected vehicle information. The "connected vehicle ID" is associated with various information included in the connected vehicle information identified by the identification information (e.g., connected vehicle size information, connected vehicle weight information, application information, ECU product number information (specification information of the vehicle control device 30), etc.). "Control information" is the control information of the connected vehicle C that is transmitted to the vehicle control device 30.

In the example shown in FIG. 13, the control ID "Y01" indicates that when connected vehicle information identified by the connected vehicle ID "R01" is transmitted, the control information "control information Z1" is transmitted.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 11, the receiver 52a of the control unit 52 receives the coupled vehicle information transmitted from the vehicle control device 30. The receiver 52a registers the received coupled vehicle information in the memory unit 53 as application information 53a. In other words, the receiver 52a generates application information based on the coupled vehicle information.

When the receiver 52a receives information indicating the urgency of the combined vehicle C, it registers the received information in the memory 53 as application information 53a. The information indicating the urgency of the combined vehicle C may be transmitted to the information processing device 50 by the information processing device 50, by the user terminal device 70 or the business operator terminal device 80 described below, or by an external server that notifies of the occurrence of a disaster or the like.

The application unit 52b executes application processing related to the combination vehicle C. For example, the application unit 52b executes application processing using application information 53a in the memory unit 53 that is generated based on the combination vehicle information.

Specifically, the application unit 52b first determines, based on the application information, whether or not the application for the combined vehicle C is to be approved by the application destination terminal device 60. More specifically, the application unit 52b determines whether or not the combined vehicle size, combined vehicle weight, and use information of the combined vehicle information included in the application information meet the above-mentioned predetermined approval conditions and are to be approved by the application destination terminal device 60.

When it is determined that the application for the connected vehicle C is permitted, the application unit 52b executes the application process, i.e., transmits the application information to the application destination terminal device 60.

In this way, in the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment, when the cabin section 10 and the base vehicle section 20 are coupled, the coupled vehicle information of the coupled vehicle C is transmitted to the information processing device 50, and application processing is performed using application information based on the coupled vehicle information.

As a result, for example, a user of the combination vehicle C, or a business that assembles the combination vehicle C by connecting the cabin section 10 and the base vehicle section 20, will no longer need to submit an application every time they change the combination of the cabin section 10 and the base vehicle section 20, thereby reducing the amount of work required to assemble the combination vehicle C.

The application unit 52b may also execute application processing according to the urgency of the combination vehicle C. In other words, even if it is determined that the application regarding the combination vehicle C is not permitted, the application unit 52b may execute application processing as long as the application information includes information indicating the urgency of the combination vehicle C.

As a result, for example, if an application for the articulated vehicle C is exceptionally approved at the application destination terminal device 60, it will be possible to use the articulated vehicle C in an emergency such as a disaster or emergency.

The transmitter 52c transmits control information related to the control of the coupled vehicle C to the vehicle control device 30. For example, the transmitter 52c selects control information (control software) suitable for the coupled vehicle information based on the coupled vehicle information transmitted from the vehicle control device 30 and the control information 53b of the memory unit 53.

Then, when an application for vehicle registration or the like is approved at the application destination terminal device 60, the transmission unit 52c transmits the selected control information, i.e., the control information suitable for the connected vehicle information, to the vehicle control device 30.

As a result, as already mentioned, the vehicle control device 30 can appropriately control the connected vehicle C using appropriate control information that is appropriate for the connected cabin section 10 and base vehicle section 20.

In the above description, the transmitting unit 52c transmits the control information when the application is permitted by the application destination terminal device 60, but this is not limited thereto, and the control information may be transmitted at other times, such as when the application unit 52b determines that the application is permitted.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 2, the application destination terminal device 60 is a terminal device used by the application destination institution in the application process related to the above-mentioned combined vehicle C. The application destination terminal device 60 may be, for example, a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like, but is not limited to these.

The application destination terminal device 60 accepts an application for, for example, a combination vehicle C, and if the combination vehicle information included in the application information satisfies a predetermined permission condition, it makes a decision to approve the application. Furthermore, if the application information includes information indicating the urgency of the combination vehicle C, the application destination terminal device 60 can make an exceptional decision to approve the application. Then, if the application destination terminal device 60 makes a decision to approve the application, it can transmit an approval notification to the information processing device 50 indicating that the application has been approved.

The user terminal device 70 is a terminal device used by a user who uses the combined vehicle C. The operator terminal device 80 is a terminal device used by an operator related to the combined vehicle C. The user terminal device 70 and the operator terminal device 80 may be, for example, a PC, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like, but are not limited to these.

The above-mentioned business operators are, for example, rental car companies that rent out articulated vehicles C and sales companies that sell articulated vehicles C, but are not limited to these. In the following, we will continue the explanation using the example where the business operator is a rental car company.

The user terminal device 70 receives usage information, including the usage pattern of the combination vehicle C (rental car) desired by the user, through user operation. The user terminal device 70 transmits the input usage information to the business operator terminal device 80.

The operator terminal device 80 selects a cabin section 10 and a base vehicle section 20 from among a plurality of cabin sections 10 and base vehicle sections 20 based on the usage information, i.e., selects a cabin section 10 and a base vehicle section 20 according to the user's purpose. The selected cabin section 10 and base vehicle section 20 are then assembled by workers at, for example, a rental car company, and the articulated vehicle C is completed.

The business operator terminal device 80 can also receive a completion notification indicating that the change in control information has been completed in the vehicle control device 30 as described above. Upon receiving the completion notification, the business operator terminal device 80 executes a process (such as a payment process) to lend the combination vehicle C to the user terminal device 70. This allows the user to use (rent) the combination vehicle C.

<Control process of information processing system according to embodiment>
Next, a processing procedure executed by the information processing system 1 including the vehicle control device 30 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a processing sequence executed by the information processing system 1 including the vehicle control device 30 and the information processing device 50 according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 14, first, the user terminal device 70 transmits usage information including the usage pattern such as the purpose of the combination vehicle C desired by the user (step S10). The operator terminal device 80 selects the cabin section 10 and the base vehicle section 20 based on the usage information (step S11), and the selected cabin section 10 and base vehicle section 20 are assembled.

When the cabin section 10 and the base vehicle section 20 are assembled, the vehicle control device 30 acquires cabin information from the cabin section 10 (step S12) and also acquires base vehicle information (step S13).

Next, the vehicle control device 30 acquires the detected cabin information detected from the actual cabin section 10 (step S14). Then, the vehicle control device 30 performs a process of comparing the cabin information with the detected cabin information (step S15).

When the comparison result indicates that the cabin information and the detected cabin information match, the vehicle control device 30 generates coupled vehicle information for the coupled vehicle C based on the cabin information and the base vehicle information (step S16). The vehicle control device 30 transmits the generated coupled vehicle information to the information processing device 50 (step S17).

The information processing device 50 determines whether the application for the combination vehicle C is permitted by the application destination terminal device 60 based on the application information including the combination vehicle information (step S18). If it is determined that the application is permitted by the application destination terminal device 60, the information processing device 50 performs application processing for the combination vehicle C to the application destination terminal device 60 (step S19).

When the application is approved by the application destination terminal device 60, the information processing device 50 receives a notification of approval (step S20). When the information processing device 50 receives the notification of approval, it transmits control information for the connected vehicle C corresponding to the connected vehicle information to the vehicle control device 30 (step S21). Then, the vehicle control device 30 installs the transmitted control information (step S22).

When the vehicle control device 30 installs the control information, it transmits a completion notification to the operator terminal device 80 indicating that the change of the control information has been completed (step S23). When the operator terminal device 80 receives the completion notification, it executes a process to lend the combination vehicle C to the user terminal device 70 (step S24).

The vehicle control device 30 also transmits the combined vehicle information to the navigation device 40 (step S25). The navigation device 40 executes a process of notifying the appropriate driving information indicating the appropriate driving method for the combined vehicle C based on the combined vehicle information, and a process of searching for a route according to the combined vehicle information and providing route guidance (step S26).

As described above, in the embodiment, the vehicle control device 30 of the coupled vehicle C having the cabin portion 10 and the base vehicle portion 20 that can be coupled to the cabin portion 10 includes an acquisition unit 32a and a generation unit 32c. The acquisition unit 32a acquires cabin information related to the cabin portion 10 and base vehicle information related to the base vehicle portion 20. The generation unit 32c generates coupled vehicle information related to the coupled vehicle C based on the cabin information and base vehicle information acquired by the acquisition unit 32a. This allows the coupled vehicle C to be appropriately controlled in accordance with the coupled cabin portion 10 and base vehicle portion 20.

<Modification>
Next, the vehicle control device 30 according to the modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 15 onwards. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an overview of a vehicle control method by the vehicle control device 30 according to the modified example. Note that, in the following, components common to the embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 15, in the modified example, the base vehicle section 20 is configured to be connectable to multiple cabin sections 10 (two in the example of FIG. 15). Note that in FIG. 15, the upper part shows the connected vehicle C before the multiple cabin sections 10 and the base vehicle section 20 are connected, and the lower part shows the connected vehicle C after the multiple cabin sections 10 and the base vehicle section 20 are connected. Also, in FIG. 15, two cabin sections 10 are used, but this is not limited to this, and three or more cabin sections may be used.

To be more specific, the cabin section 10 is available in various sizes, such as half size and 1/3 size, and multiple cabin sections 10 are appropriately combined and connected to the cabin section 10.

Therefore, the base vehicle section 20 according to the modified example is equipped with a connecting device corresponding to the above-mentioned multiple cabin sections 10, a cabin size sensor 21, and a cabin weight sensor 22 (see FIG. 4). The cabin size sensor 21 and the cabin weight sensor 22 may measure the multiple cabin sections 10 individually, or may measure the entire combined cabin section 10. The base vehicle section 20 may also be configured to have additional cabin size sensors 21 and cabin weight sensors 22 installed when multiple cabin sections 10 are connected.

In the following, one of the two cabin sections 10 may be referred to as the "first cabin section 101" and the other as the "second cabin section 102." When there is no need to distinguish between them, they will be referred to as the "cabin section 10."

Cabin information is stored in the memory unit 11 (see FIG. 2) of each of the multiple cabin sections 10 (here, the first and second cabin sections 101, 102). Here, cabin information relating to the modified example will be described with reference to FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of cabin information 11a relating to the modified example.

As shown in FIG. 16, cabin information 11a according to the modified example includes items such as "cabin ID," "cabin size," "cabin weight," "purpose," "size type," and "combinable size type," and each item is associated with each other. "Cabin ID," "cabin size," "cabin weight," and "purpose" are the same as cabin information 11a according to the embodiment.

"Size type" is information indicating the size type of the cabin portion 10, such as full size, half size, 1/3 size, etc. In addition, in "size type", even within half size and 1/3 size, size types may be divided according to the height of the cabin portion 10 (for example, high roof half size, standard roof half size, etc.).

"Matchable size types" is information that indicates the size types of the other cabin section 10 that can be combined with the cabin section 10 itself. Matchable size types include information that indicates size types such as full size, half size, and 1/3 size.

In the example shown in FIG. 16, the cabin information identified by cabin ID "D01" indicates that the cabin size is "cabin size E1", the cabin weight is "cabin weight F1", the purpose is "purpose G1", the size type is "type J1", and the combinable size types are "types J1, J2, ...".

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 15, as shown in the lower part, when the multiple cabin sections 10 and the base vehicle section 20 are connected, the vehicle control device 30 (more precisely, the acquisition unit 32a (see FIG. 4)) acquires cabin information from each of the multiple cabin sections 10 (step S101). Then, the acquisition unit 32a of the vehicle control device 30 registers the acquired information in the memory unit 33 (see FIG. 4) as cabin information 33b.

Here, cabin information 33b in the memory unit 33 according to the modified example will be described with reference to FIG. 17. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of cabin information 33b in the memory unit 33 according to the modified example.

As shown in FIG. 17, cabin information 33b relating to the modified example includes cabin information for cabin ID "D01" corresponding to the first cabin section 101 and cabin information for cabin ID "D02" corresponding to the second cabin section 102.

The vehicle control device 30 according to the modified example calculates the weight of the multiple connected cabin sections 10 by adding up the weights of the first and second cabin sections 101, 102 included in the cabin information 33b. The vehicle control device 30 according to the modified example also calculates the size of the multiple connected cabin sections 10 by adding up the sizes of the first and second cabin sections 101, 102 included in the cabin information 33b. The vehicle control device 30 may combine the weight information and size information of the first and second cabin sections 101, 102 to make the cabin information 33b into information for a single unit.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 15, the vehicle control device 30 acquires base vehicle information related to the base vehicle section 20 (step S102). Next, the vehicle control device 30 generates coupled vehicle information related to the coupled vehicle C based on the multiple cabin information (more precisely, the cabin information of the first cabin section 101 and the cabin information of the second cabin section 102) and the base vehicle information (step S103), and more specifically, generates the coupled vehicle information by combining (joining) the multiple cabin information and the base vehicle information.

In this way, the vehicle control device 30 according to the modified example acquires cabin information from each of the multiple connected cabin sections 10, acquires base vehicle information from the connected base vehicle section 20, and generates connected vehicle information by combining the multiple cabin information and the base vehicle information. This allows the vehicle control device 30 according to the modified example to generate accurate connected vehicle information that is in line with the multiple connected cabin sections 10 and the base vehicle section 20, and makes it possible to appropriately control the connected vehicle C using the generated connected vehicle information.

The vehicle control device 30 (e.g., vehicle control unit 32e) according to the modified example may execute control to prohibit the combination vehicle C from traveling, i.e., may not allow the combination vehicle C to travel, for example, when the "size type" of the first cabin portion 101 is not included in the "combinable size type" of the second cabin portion 102 in the cabin information 11a (33b), or when the "size type" of the second cabin portion 102 is not included in the "combinable size type" of the first cabin portion 101.

This makes it possible to prevent the combination vehicle C equipped with multiple cabin sections 10 that cannot be combined from moving when such cabin sections 10 are connected to the base vehicle section 20, for example.

In the above-described embodiment and modified example, the vehicle control device 30 mounted on the base vehicle section 20 acquires cabin information and base vehicle information and executes processes such as generating coupled vehicle information, but this is not limited to the above. That is, for example, the vehicle control device may be mounted on the cabin section 10, and the vehicle control device may be configured to acquire cabin information and base vehicle information and execute processes such as generating coupled vehicle information.

In addition, in the above, the vehicle control device 30, navigation device 40, information processing device 50, application destination terminal device 60, user terminal device 70, and business operator terminal device 80 are each configured to perform various processes, but the devices on which the various processes are performed are not limited to those described above.

In other words, some or all of the processing performed by the vehicle control device 30 may be performed by another device. Also, some or all of the processing performed by the navigation device 40 may be performed by another device. Also, some or all of the processing performed by the information processing device 50 may be performed by another device. Also, some or all of the processing performed by the application destination terminal device 60 may be performed by another device. Also, some or all of the processing performed by the user terminal device 70 may be performed by another device. Also, some or all of the processing performed by the business operator terminal device 80 may be performed by another device.

Further advantages and modifications may readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Information processing system 10 Cabin section 20 Base vehicle section 30 Vehicle control device 32a Acquisition section 32c Generation section 32d Transmission section 40 Navigation device 50 Information processing device

Claims (10)

A vehicle control device for a combination vehicle including a cabin section and a base vehicle section connectable to the cabin section,
An acquisition unit that acquires cabin information related to the cabin unit and base vehicle information related to the base vehicle unit;
a generation unit that generates coupled vehicle information regarding the coupled vehicles based on the cabin information and the base vehicle information acquired by the acquisition unit. a transmission unit that transmits the connected vehicle information to an information processing device,
The acquisition unit is
The vehicle control device according to claim 1 , further comprising: acquiring, from the information processing device, control information relating to control of the combination vehicles in accordance with the combination vehicle information transmitted by the transmission unit. The cabin information includes:
The information includes first cabin information pre-stored in a storage unit and second cabin information detected from an actual cabin unit,
The vehicle control device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a vehicle control unit that controls the coupled vehicles in accordance with a comparison result between the first cabin information and the second cabin information. The vehicle control unit includes:
The vehicle control device according to claim 3 , wherein when a comparison result indicates that the first cabin information and the second cabin information do not match, a control is executed to prohibit the combined vehicles from traveling. The base vehicle section is connectable to a plurality of the cabin sections,
The acquisition unit is
Acquire the cabin information from each of the plurality of cabin sections;
The generation unit is
The vehicle control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the connected vehicle information is generated based on a plurality of pieces of cabin information acquired by the acquisition unit. A vehicle control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
an information processing system comprising: an information processing device that receives the articulated vehicle information transmitted from the vehicle control device; and a navigation device that is mounted on the articulated vehicle and searches for a route to a destination and provides route guidance. The information processing device includes:
The information processing system according to claim 6 , further comprising an application unit that executes an application process for the combination vehicle based on the combination vehicle information. The application department:
The information processing system according to claim 7 , wherein the application process is executed in accordance with the urgency of the combined vehicles. The navigation device includes:
9. The information processing system according to claim 6, wherein the route is searched for according to the connected vehicle information generated by the vehicle control device, and route guidance is provided. A vehicle control method for a combination vehicle including a cabin section and a base vehicle section connectable to the cabin section, comprising:
An acquisition process for acquiring cabin information relating to the cabin section and base vehicle information relating to the base vehicle section;
a generating step of generating coupled vehicle information regarding the coupled vehicles based on the cabin information and the base vehicle information acquired in the acquiring step.

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